A Yule Message from the Multi-Faith Network

Amy Vale from the multi-faith network shares her experience of celebrating Yule.

Similarities between Yule and Christmas

Instead of Santa and his reindeer, Norse Mythology has the legend of Odin - the almighty All Father, God of Death (taking the fallen on the battlefield to Valhalla, if they were deserving of this), the All Knowing One (sacrificed his eye to be able to drink from Mímisbrunnr, Mímir’s Well, in order to obtain ultimate wisdom and enlightenment) – and his eight legged steed called Sleipnir. Some say the nose of Sleipnir was red from the blood of others, unlike Rudolph. Odin being portrayed as an older wise man boasting a great white beard. Many tales tell of Odin on a wild hunt with Sleipnir, carrying souls towards the Otherworld, and to avoid any dangerous spirits from other realms (there’s a few!), people would keep indoors during this night. Additionally, evergreens are bought inside to help keep animals safe and as forms of protection (mistletoe, ivy, holy are known for having protective/fertility/wealth powers). How many households do you see with wreaths on their door? No milk and cookies for Odin, instead kids left out foods like porridge, and boots out full of straw for Sleipnir, and in turn Odin would leave treats. Thus, leaving treats out for Santa and his reindeer could be seen as a form of leaving out offerings.

 

Yule and the Winter Solstice

Yule is a time of the turning of the year. It starts around the Winter Solstice (the shortest day and longest night of the year). It celebrates the death of the past year as the days are now starting to get longer (remember Odin is linked to Death too). The festivities were not just for one night, yet many will sing about the 12 days of Christmas. Yule is supposedly derived from the word Jol/Jul, and I see a connection between this and the word Jolly, which I hear mostly around this time of year!

 

Yule Log

The Yule Log is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and is an integral part of Yuletide. I have read many variations on the Yule Log and believe that it would have been burned on the Winter Solstice and kept alight ideally for the remainder of Yule. Afterwards the ash of the Yule Log would be kept and used as a form of protection (to be sprinkled around the area needing protection).

Personally, I will have a little bit of a log, and using a Dremel I engrave runes onto it (Algiz for protection, Ansuz for Odin, Uruz for good health, and Sowilo for Success; but there are many more runes that could be chosen), and create an area for a candle to sit in, along with decorating it with greenery including holly for that added protection (usually against lightening as it is associated with Thor) and peace (Celtic beliefs added here). I will light the candle(s) for the each night of Yule, leaving offerings out (varying between meat, fruit, and mead), then burn the log at the end.

 

Please note: There is much more to be said on this topic, but why not delve into some research yourself and see where it takes you. Blessed Be.

Published 16th December 2022