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over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is
a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old
Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul,meaning
wheel. Winter Solstice, also known as Yule,Christmas,and Saturnalia, occurs in mid December. It is a celebration of
the birth of a new Solar year and the beginning of Winter.
The Goddess manifests as the Great Mother and the God
as the Sun Child. The God also appears as Santa Claus
and Old Man Winter. Colors are Red, Green, and White.
This is a festival of inner renewal.
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this holiday as "Christmas." Yet a look into its origins
of Christmas reveals its Pagan roots. Emperor Aurelian
established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible
Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter
Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the
Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday
of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was
Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in
Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was
originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice.
Most of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated
with "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice
celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. While Christianity
is interwoven with contemporary observances of this
holiday time, its Pagan nature is still strong and
apparent.
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in mid-winter. The day was didicated to the god Saturn
and featured street celbrations and feasting. Homes where
decorted with greenery and strands of lights abound. Also
popular was the exchange of small gifts thought to bring
luck on the recipient. The remnants of these customs are
still strong in the modern celbration of Christmas despite
the lengths that the Church went to in attempting to
make Christmas a solem day.
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King defeated the Holly King. In the Celtic custom, the
Holly King represents death and darkness while the Oak
King stands for rebirth and life. Hence, with the Oak King
returned to power light shall become prevalent and life
return to the earth. It is a time of joy and hope. Yule is a
holiday meant to uplift spirits weary from winter and a
time to appreciate the wonders that will come with the
spring.
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of wood, usually Ash or Oak, is brought into the house.
Carvings are placed on it to bring protection and luck to
the house and every family member is allowed to make a
wish upon it. The log is then placed on the hearth where it
is to burn for no less than twelve hours and preferably
until dawn. It's ashes and rekindling pieces are saved to
place about the house or to be made into pendants for
protection though out the year. This custom seems to date
back to through the Roman Saturnalia and possibly even
to ancient Egypt. This was well before the spread of
Christianity although Christians have claimed that
Martin Luther or Saint Boniface started the custom.
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tradition is the Yule or Christmas tree. It was a Germanic
custom that spread into most of Europe well before
Christianity. A pine or fir tree would be decorated with
candles and tokens. Presents where sometimes left under
the trees to be anonymously received buy those indicated. Originally, these trees where left outside, but after the
spread of Christianity began many moved their trees
indoors to avoid notice. A candle lit and ribboned wreath
was sometimes used as a smaller reminder of the season.
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Christmas it has become a time of caring and gift. It is a
time to forget differences and come together in peace.
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