Yule, also known as Winter Solstice, is a holiday celebrated by Pagans throughout the world. Typically falling on December 21 or 22, Yule is a winter festival that has roots going back to pre-Christian times when it was most commonly celebrated by people living in what is now northern Europe. During the Christianization process in Europe, Yule was moved to December 25, hence the word Christmas is often used interchangeably with Yule. But today, most Pagans who celebrate Yule will observe it on its traditional day of December 21 or 22.
Except for the rituals of feasting and the lighting of bonfires, there is little known about how Yule was celebrated in ancient times. But today it is a holiday that is celebrated in a wide variety of ways such as with the burning of a Yule log, hanging holly and misteltoe, having a family dinner and exchanging gifts. For Wiccans, Yule is one of the minor Sabbats and is seen as a time when the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God who is reborn each year at the time of Yule. This day is seen as a reminder that death is not final since many Pagan beliefs, including Wicca, view life, death and rebirth as a continuous cycle that is reflected in the changing seasons.
People from a variety of Pagan traditions often choose to create a Yule altar in their homes. This is an area such as a table or shelf that is adorned with a variety of objects that symbolize the mid-winter season. An altar cloth may or may not be put on first, then items such as pine boughs, pine cones, candles in colors such as red and green, fruit and herbs may be placed upon the altar. Some people may also choose to write down wishes for the new year and place them upon the altar.
Colors: red, green, gold, silver
