The First Day of Yuletide ...

 We've all heard the song, the 12 days of Christmas, but did you know that is connected to the 12 days of Yule? Many of the traditions we have in our modern Christmas celebration, comes from a celebration that happened long before Christianity. 

Most nations of the Northern hemisphere (it's the shortest night on the Southern hemisphere) celebrated the last 12 days of the year in reverie. The ancient peoples worked hard to survive, but on these last days of the year, no work was allowed. Everyone celebrated life. 

Today is the winter solstice. Tonight, in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the longest night of the year. Tonight it is Mother Night. 

The first night of Yule is Mother night. The winter solstice celebrates the birth of the coming Spring. The evening is spent honoring the mother ancestors that protect us. It honors the return of the sun and seasons of life. 

When Christianity was introduced, many places chose to combine the Christmas celebration with the Yule. Instead of starting on the solstice, it started on Christmas eve, tying the theme of Mother to the first day.

The spirits are closest to the earth at this time - more than any time. To invite them in, north facing alters were created and decorated with holly and ivy. Candles were lit to keep the long night lit. St. Lucia is thought to be the Christian version of the Yule mother. 

Many Scandinavian countries enjoy Glögg during the yule - also known as hot mulled wine, you can also drink it cold. Golden soup is a traditional food, as are baked goods. Cookies are given as an offering to the ancestral mothers. 

So tonight we are having a soupy, golden fondue, some non-alcoholic Glögg served cold and cozying up to a nice warm fire.

Happy Winter.