By Jane Yule
Naturally, with a surname like mine, I need a whole blog dedicated to the wonderful and varied ways in which the world celebrates Yule!
Yule is typically celebrated on 21st December to commemorate the Winter Solstice – an important turning point in our yearly calendar, making the shortest day and the longest night. A Pagan tradition in the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice led to 12 days of celebrations – called Yule!
In medieval times it was very common to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with a yule log – which was actually an entire tree – being burnt in the hearth over the 12 days. It was incredibly unlucky to have to relight the fire at any point, and a piece of the yule log would be kept until the next year – to start the traditional all over again!
Luckily nowadays the tradition has turned into something more delicious by having a yule log for Christmas dessert. Chocolate sponge with layers of cream rolled into a log shape, covered with chocolate icing – yummy!
For a slightly stranger Yule tradition, the children of Iceland are ‘fortunate’ to be visited by thirteen Yule Lads on the 23rd December through to 6th January. Slightly gruesome in nature, the Yule Lads may either leave you sweets and small gifts, or rotting potatoes depending on your behaviour!
Happy Yuletide everyone!
