A Yule-Tree for the Holiday

(forgive me if you've heard enough of this already..)

www.dictionary.com

Holiday:

Middle English holidai, holy day, from Old English hlig dæg : hlig, holy; see holy + dæg, day; see day.

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http://www.simnet.is/gardarj/yule6.htm

the Yule-Tree

Evergreen trees have always inspired awe and reverence in man. They seem to defy the winter with their verdure, even on the darkest days of the year. No evergreen tree is native to Iceland, and the Rowan, European Mountain Ash, served as the tree which was revered in Iceland.

The idea of the Yule tree was imported to Iceland in the middle of the last century, and the first recorded Yule tree was a Rowan mentioned in 1862. Lights burned on its branches during Yule Eve and did not go out even when the wind was strong. Obviously an outdoor Yule tree. Soon afterward, Yule trees, mainly home-made, started to become common in Iceland. These were made from a central pole on which branches were nailed, long at the bottom and tapering as they neared the top. On these branches the candles were fastened. The Yule tree was usually painted green, and native foliage was used to decorate it. Numerous, coloured pouches were then hung on the Yule tree, often filled with candies which the children were allowed to eat after the candles had burned out.

In this century, locally grown evergreens as well imported trees have replaced the home-made ones. Nowadays most Yule trees in Iceland are locally grown. The tradition is to have a star or crown at the top, and to decorate the branches with light bulbs and Yule decorations. The Icelandic Flag is also commonly used as a decoration. The Yule tree is usually decorated on Þorláksmessa or early on December 24th,
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Yule
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Yule

Yule is the winter solstice Blót (celebration) in Ásatrú, the pagan practices of the Germanic peoples prior to the arrival of Christianity. Today, it is also one of the eight solar holidays, or sabbats, of Neopaganism. In modern neopaganism, Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice: in the northern hemisphere, circa December 21, and in the southern hemisphere, circa June 21.
"Yule" and "Yuletide" are also archaic terms for Christmas, sometimes invoked in songs to provide atmosphere. Indeed, this is the only meaning of "Yule" accepted by either the full Oxford English Dictionary or the Concise Oxford Dictionary, and people unfamiliar with ancient Germanic pagan traditions will not distinguish between Yule and Christmas. This usage survives in the term "Yule log"; it may also persist in some Scottish dialects.
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But you're forgiven. Hard not to be caught up in this "war" on Xmas. Its in the air! Or is that, ON the air?;>)

I had no idea it was that recent. I thought it was some ancient practice.

Before Christmas trees became popular, the custom was to bring in a large log (the Yule Log) and burn it over the Solstice/Christmas period. I personally think the Yule Log tradition evolved from an even older tradition of burning a large bonfire on the Winter Solstice to encourage the sun to come back.

The Yule Log was traditionally a piece of wood, taken from the fire at the previous winter solstice and used to start the fire at the current soltice. Today's practice of taking a piece of wood and placing candles on it (to represent people you are praying/have concern for) is fairly new.

that confused me at first also

"I do not care what the origins of the Christmas tree is... I only care what it represents to our family today." (No, she didn't go on to elaborate what it represents to her family, but I'm guessing it has more to do with presents than with the birth of Jesus.)

If you really want to get into the nitty-gritty of the origins of what many Christians see as Christmas, you need to look closely at the pagan religion (various sects of it too). When the push for Christianity was made, the powers that be understood that they could not subdue the current pagan beliefs without offering alternatives to existing celebrations, rituals and festivals. Thus, many Christian holidays were purposefully placed on or near the same dates as the existing pagan ones. Many traditional pagan rituals, folklore (and we don't really know how much because some was lost forever in the new adaptations) and so-forth are still a part of the Christian holiday known as Christmas.

Kissing under the Mistletoe -- Probably evolved from Druid practices (the plant used for fertility & protection purposes) or Norse myth (The Norse Goddess of love, marriage and fertility - Frigga - had her son, Balder, slain by Loki with an arrow made from mistletoe. When Balder was restored to life, Frigga blessed the mistletoe and gave a kiss to anyone who passed under it.)

Gift Giving -- Common practice during the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia in which is named after Saturn, who ruled over agriculture. The festival lasted several days - typically 7 - and was the greatest festival of the Roman year, marked with great feasting, gift-giving, dancing, playing and relaxing. Homes were decorated, work was suspended and there was general merry-making by everyone.

Birth of the Sun/Son -- In early times, December 25th (the date now recognized as Christmas) was commemorated as the Birth of the Sun God, Mithra, and January 6 (Old Christmas) was a Dionysian festival. In Egypt, a celebration dedicated to Osiris was held at this time.

Wassailing/Caroling -- Traditionally, carolers went from door to door, singing and bearing their "Wassail Cups", to be rewarded with the drink and fruited breads or other sweets. It was a mutual blessing the entire community shared.

Boughs of Holly (Fa-Rah-Rah-Rah-Rah -- sorry, couldn't resist) -- Evergreens were cherished at this time of year as a natural symbol of rebirth and life amid winter whiteness. But holly was particularly prized to decorate doors, windows and fireplaces because of its prickliness -- to either ward off or snag and capture evil spirits before they could enter and harm a household.

But, if you are mostly interested in the history of the evergreen tree, I'd recommend The Solstice Evergreen by author Sheryl Karas.

thanks!

and happy solstice!