The Yule Log Tradition and Lore

The Yule Log

The Yule Log has been associated with Christmas for decades. In a rural America it was a tradition. It has enough importance that in the 1960’s WPIX Channel 11 in New York began to

televise a Yule Log for New Yorkers. The idea was people in apartments and homes without fireplaces could share in this Holiday tradition. You should go to http://tvparty.com/xmaslog.html to read more about this amazing story.

How significant is the Yule Log. I found a town in North Carolina that started a Yule Log Parade, an event that began in 1950. Each year, town’s people and visitors follow the Yule Log which is pulled by children on a sled through town to Legacy Park. Once the log is positioned in the open fireplace it is ignited. Everyone in the audience joins together and sings Christmas carols. To learn more go to: http://www.mcadenville-christmastown.com/ctyule.htm

I really like this tradition of the Yule Log. I did not have that tradition when I grew up. For
those of you, like me, that are unfamiliar with the Yule Log tradition this is your Classic-Guy Cliff Note version.

First, the Yule log is a large log and burning the log is a tradition that goes back before Christmas started. It really started as a Pagan holiday called Yule. It was a celebration that marked the Winter Solstice the longest night of the year and it marks the rebirth of the sun. Fundamentally it was a family day and a community day. And its purpose, as any good tradition should be is to bring hope for the future. For more information you may want to visit: http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/yule.htm

The Yule celebration was adopted by Christianity and the log was then burned on the hearth as a way of celebrating Christmas in Europe. The lore was burning the log would bring prosperity in the coming year.

The tradition carried over from Europe to America and we have adapted it to our Christmas tradition.

For us who don’t have fireplaces you can use a log and use candles as symbolism for the fire of the Yule log. It is easy to do and a fun project for yourself or your children.

And with no disrespect to any religious traditions the Yule log transcends any one tradition. It is about community involvement and tradition. It is about family and bringing your own meaning to it.

It is as American as it is European and it is as contemporary as it is ancient. Yes this isn’t quite the post that directly relates to 40’s and 50’s. But it does bring some style and grace to a Holiday that has become, oh so, commercial.

Happy Yule Day!