It symbolized the shifting of darkness to light. While the roots of the tradition are somewhat unclear, it’s thought that it’s driven by Germanic paganism. The custom of burning the Yule log dates back to ancient times. The yule log was thought to have the power to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the home yearlong. The Yule Log is a tradition possibly of Germanic or Nordic origin. It is a symbol of prosperity and luck. A remainder of the yule log was kept to light the next year’s log. The Yule log has returned to its roots, having been incorporated into Winter Solstice celebrations. Yule logs are now often symbolized by a cake shaped like a log. The yule log may be prepared early in the season as a centerpiece to your household altar, or perhaps as decoration on the mantel, until winter solstice night when you will burn it. The word yule develops from the geōl, with cousin forms in such other Germanic languages as Old Norse and Gothic.English speakers are most familiar with yule through associations dating to its original use. History of the Holiday Yule Log. A Yule Log is a log that is burned during Winter solstice and Christmas celebrations. The Yule (Juul) Log tradition started in Norway to honor the god Thor. The log itself is traditionally the largest, hardest log that can be gotten from the nearby forest with the intention that it will burn hotly and brightly through the longest night of the year. Yule Log History: But what remains just in the form of a cake is a tradition that started long back, even before the advent of Christianity. Keep reading to understand the meaning behind the tradition of yule logs and everything there is to know about it. A Yule log is a wonderful way to celebrate Yule or Winter Solstice with your family and friends! Yule Log. Pagan Yule Log Meaning, History, and Traditions. The first reference of the tradition of the Yule Log can be found in Norse Mythology. Another way to use your Yule log is to burn it as our ancestors did so many centuries ago. It is believed, if the tradition is followed with sincerity and devotion, it would bring good health, wealth and productivity in the year ahead. In ancient Rome, the winter solstice was celebrated at the Feast of Saturnalia, to honor Saturn, the god of agricultural bounty. Although some believe its origins are Pagan, the practice of burning a Yule log began in Medieval times as a Nordic tradition. The yule log has its roots (and often simply was a root) in Norse mythology, and from there it was all up and up. Once practiced by the Vikings and Germanic people, the burning of the Yule Log, was a part of the celebrations of the winter solstice. Family, friends, and neighbors would come together to celebrate the Winter Solstice. In pre-Christian Scandinavia, the Feast of Juul, or Yule, lasted for 12 days celebrating the rebirth of the sun and giving rise to the custom of burning a Yule log. A simple but meaningful tradition is to, before you burn your log, have each person in the family write down a wish on a piece of paper, and then insert it into the ribbons. It began as a pagan observance and adopted later into Christian holidays, burned on Christmas Eve. A Yule log looks lovely on a table surrounded by candles and holiday greenery. Source: Pinterest. Yule Log is a significant part of Christmas traditions.Yule log is a large log burned in the hearth of the house. The tradition of burning a Yule log at Christmastime predates modern commemorations of the birth of Christ. It became a symbol of Christmas, morphed into a … Possibly of Germanic or Nordic origin be found in Norse Mythology would come together celebrate... 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