Yule
Many traditions of today find their roots in ancient pagan rituals. A tree was braught into the home so the wood spirets could stay warm in the cold months. Tiny bells were hung on the branches to ring and signify when a spiret was there. Cookies and other goodies were put on the tree for the spirets, and I'm sure the little ones living in the home. The tree was than topped with a sacred flame or star. Other traditions steming from this time is gift giving. Also the yule log was lit and allowed to burn all night. The last bit of the log was kept at the hearth to bring luck to the home and was used the next year to light that years log. The colors red and green come from the holly, a sacred tree. Caroling and wassleing were done this time of year. Fertility rituals were also practiced as with almost every other sabbets. Family was very importent and children were considered an asset in those days. A womans children were part of her dowery. It was said you always were sure who your mother was, but how could you tell a father. This is why children took their mothers name. Almost all traditions know this time as the birth of the god. For the celts it was when the oak king takes the place og the older holly king. Traditional Yule foods include, hams, egg noggs, wassile, pies, breads and much more. Great feasts were cooked and many gathered to share them.
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