Yuletide

Yuletide is a time of celebration and joy,

A time to honour the rebirth of the sun and the cycle of life.

Yuletide is a time of gratitude and generosity,

A time to share our gifts and blessings with others.

Yuletide is a time of reflection and renewal,

A time to look within and embrace our true selves.

As Suzy, I wish you a Merry Yuletide and a Happy New Year.

May you be filled with light and love,

May you be surrounded by peace and harmony,

May you be guided by wisdom and grace.

Blessed be! Suzy C Xx

Some of the Yuletide traditions are:

• Evergreens and wreaths: Evergreens represent everlasting life. They are used to decorate homes and altars.

• Mistletoe and holly: Mistletoe is a healing and protective plant, revered by the Druids. It is hung over doorways or in bedrooms to bring good luck and ward off evil. Holly is a symbol of hope and the Holly King, who rules over the dark half of the year.

• Yule tree: The Yule tree is a pagan symbol of the Tree of Life or the World Tree. It is decorated with natural ornaments such as pinecones, berries, and fruit, as well as symbols sacred to the gods and goddesses.

• Candles: Candles are lit during Yule to celebrate the return of the light and the sun. They represent the warmth, hope, and joy of the season.

• Yule log: The Yule log is a large piece of wood that is burned in the fireplace or outdoors. It is a remnant of the ancient bonfires that were lit to honour the sun and the gods. The Yule log is usually decorated with evergreens, holly, mistletoe, and ribbons.

Yuletide is a term that refers to the winter festival or season that was historically observed by the Germanic peoples and later by Christians. The exact date of Yuletide varies depending on the culture and calendar, but it usually falls around the winter solstice, which is the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Northern Hemisphere Yuletide falls around 21 December and in the Southern Hemisphere around 21 June.

Photo by Louise Cooke.