The Winter Solstice and Yule Celebrations

The Winter Solstice is celebrated in the northern hemisphere in December usually on or near the twenty first. This is also the season of Yule (pronounced EWE-elle), taken from the Norse Jul, which means wheel.

As the wheel of the year turns, the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Winter Solstice night is the longest night and, from this point forward, the sun, the light, will return for a longer visit each day.

Our ancestors lit bonfires while clove-spiked apples and oranges, which represented the sun, were given as gifts. Holly was placed outside the door to invite nature spirits to join the celebration and to bestow good fortune upon the home. Mistletoe was hung to represent the Divine. Evergreen boughs represented immortality since they always stayed green.

The ceremonial Yule log was used to start the bonfire. By tradition, the log must have been harvested from the land or given as a gift, but never bought. Once lit, it would burn all night and then smolder for twelve days before being ceremonially put out. Today, it is appropriate to retain smaller pieces of the original log to use in the fire of the following years.

Solstice and Yule Celebrations

Many of our contemporary celebrations have roots in ancient ceremonies.

Here's some ways you can celebrate the season.

• Decorate with sacred herbs and colors (NOTE: these plants are toxic to pets and should be place well out of reach of their curious noses and paws.) 

  • Holly (fertility and eternal life)

  • Ivy (connections and friendship)

  • Mistletoe (renewal, hope and the Divine)

  • Bayberry (luck and prosperity)

  • Oak (wisdom and longevity)

  • Evergreens (longevity) around the home where socializing will occur.

  • Add red, green and white decorations.

  • Create an evergreen wreath (I like to use cedar) and place on your door to represent the wheel of the year and the continuity of life.

•  Charity begins with you. The Solstice celebrates the fall harvest and providing food for all in the community. This is the season to give of yourself whether it’s your time, your money or donated items. While charity should occur throughout the year, it is heightened at this time of the year when so many will not be celebrating.

• Remembrance Ceremony. Winter Solstice night is the perfect time to honor those who have passed since the veil between the spiritual and physical realms is thinnest.

  • Gather with loved ones and form a circle around your fire (can be a single candle or bonfire depending on what you have available).

  • The first person lights their candle from the fire and recognizes anybody who has crossed over (this can be a person, animal or group of people).

  • They then light the candle of the person to their left (clockwise) who repeats the process until everyone has a lit candle and has shared their words.

  • If someone does not want to speak their names aloud, they can ask for a moment of silence or write the names on a piece of paper and toss it into the fire.

  • After the ceremony, take care not to blow the candles out. They must be properly snuffed or pinched lest your intentions be blown away.

  • See this article on Candle Snuffing for more information.

• Feasting and friendship. The ancients celebrated the Solstice with many feasts and fires for many days. Invite friends and family for light bites or big eats as you celebrate the many holidays of the season.

Final Thoughts

Select one or more of these celebrations or establish a new tradition. Whatever method you choose, ensure it is all about YOU. Set your intentions, visualize what you need and enjoy the beauty you create during the Winter Solstice. Blessed be!