As the solstice brings in the birth of the new year, today is offered to honor Mani, God of the Moon.
Mani lights the way for hunters at night and offered light during the long nights. During the darkest days of winter, people looked to the rebirth of the sun as a promise of fertility and abundance, and they thanked the god that kept them during the long nights.
In Sweden, the Jul Tomte (Yule elf) is left cookies and treats every night to keep them happy. These house spirits were gentle and cared for the children and the animals. But if you failed to keep the children or animals well and safe, they could be nasty little creatures!
Many of the livestock are slaughtered in the fall to have fewer animals to feed during winter. But this also left an abundance of meats to eat.
The celebration for today focuses on courage. The yule log is lit and everyone jumps over it to bring purification to the soul.
So light a fire, jump the flames and settle in to a spice roast with root vegetables and celebrate the courage of the moon.
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