This is the shortest day of the year, and of course the longest night. This is usually the 20th or 21st of Dec. Yuletide (Teutonic Trad.) lasts from Dec. 20 through Dec. 31. It begins Mother's Night and ends 12 days later on Yule Night- hence The 12 days of Christmas tradition.
This is also the night the Goddess gives brith to a son, the God. This is in no way an adaptation of Christianity! The Winter Solstice has long been viewed as a time of Divine Births.
Since the God is also the Sun, this marks the point in the year when the Sun is reborn as well. This is why we light fires and candles to welcome the Sun's return. The Goddess slumbers through the winter of her labor. In other words rests after her delivery.
Yule to the Pagan is a reminder that the ultimate product of Death is Rebirth, a comforting thought in these days of unrest
The Symbols for yule are Evergreens, Yule Log, Holly, 8- Spoked Wheel, Wreaths, Spinning. The Colors are Red, Green, White, Gold. Animals are Stags, Squirrels, Wren, Robin. The Stones are Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet. |
