Winter Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

The Wild Hunt And Its Leaders, Wodan & Gwynn ap Nudd

kitty fields — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:57:30 +0000

The wind is howling just outside your window. The bitter cold seeps in from under the door. The season’s formidable storms are coming…and so is the Wild Hunt. Be ye witch or be ye familiar, you may choose to partake in this festive procession and join your infernal comrades amidst the storm. But be ye frightened of specters, wild gods and wraiths, it’s best to stay inside in your warm bed…yet, you never know when it’s your time to be swept up by the heathen hunters. In this untamed Wintry article, we hop atop our brooms and meet the Furious Host while they’re out for a tirade through the dark Winter sky. What is the Wild Hunt? What is the Wild Hunt, exactly? Other names: Furious Host, Wild Infernal Hunt, Woden’s Host, Elf Ride, and Oskorei which means “noisy riders” or the “Ride of Asgard”. It is a comparative myth in Northern European, specifically Germanic, Welsh and Anglo-Saxon mythos. And is a grand and sometimes terrifying spiritual procession of gods, ghosts, witches, demons, elementals and animals that ride across the sky particularly during the Winter months and during brutal oncoming storms. The most common time for the Wild Hunt is during the 12 Days of Christmas (or Yuletide), but basically all Winter long and in the British Isles during Autumn as well. There’s a myriad of superstitions and folk tales featuring the Wild Hunt Barns with opposite doors were believed to be passed through by the Wild Hunt (think Liminal space here). The spirits of the Wild Hunt were likely once pagan gods that were downsized and demonized over the centuries. By the middle ages, after conversion, most people were taught to fear the Wild Hunt. And that if you were caught outside during one of their rides, you might be swept up and dropped off somewhere else completely random OR your soul would be “collected” by the riders. Others believed you could go blind, mad or be ill after seeing the procession. In the mid 1800s, a boy from Norway claimed to be taken up by the Wild Hunt and visited a strange land of “splendor” (this particular tale tells me the Wild Hunt is very similar to the witches’ sabbat…when a witch is whisked off into a procession of night-riding spirits, devils and witches, sometimes to visit Elfhame, meet her familiar, join other witches to celebrate esbats etc.) In certain regions in Germany, for example in Thuringia, the Wild Hunt began on a high mountaintop called Horselberg, also known as Venus-berg, of which was once likely a sacred place for a Germanic goddess (later associated with the Roman Venus). Some believe it was likely Freya who was worshiped on top of Horselberg…and of whom would become a leader of the Wild Hunt herself (as well as the Night of Witches aka Walpurgis Night on May 1st). Leaders of the Wild Hunt in Germanic Lore Woden / Odin Odin is probably the most widely-associated leader of the Hunt. So much so that howling wind is still associated with Odin’s wagon (as thunder is to Thor). When Odin is heard or seen leading his crew, he is typically hunting, driving and riding with his Valkyries and his ghostly warriors from Valhalla. It makes sense to me why Odin or Woden is so closely linked to the Wild Hunt, since he is the most popular and influential god in the Norse and Germanic pantheons. And he is known as a wanderer or traveler through the realms. Holda A Germanic goddess whose domain is over the household, including domestic chores like spinning, and is also referred to as “Frau Holle”. She’s featured in a fairy tale called Mother Holle in which a girl falls down a well, into Holle’s land, which is likely the Underworld in this tale. Frau Holle is also said to “shake out the downy sheets” which causes the first snow to fall. Eventually she would be said to lead the Wild Hunt, which featured a horde of spirits and witches. I see the definite link with her and Midwinter as well as with the dead and the Underworld. Berchta One of our favorite goddesses, and one of whom we’ve recorded an entire Deity episode about, Berchta is also known as a leader of the Wild Hunt. But she is said to lead a host of unbaptized babies through the Winter storms. She is often conflated with Holda, according to Jacob Grimm in Teutonic Mythology, “Her annual progress is made to fall between Christmas and Twelfth-day, when the supernatural has sway, and wild beasts like the wolf are not mentioned by their names, bringing fertility to the land… At the same time Holda, like Wotan, can also ride on the winds, clothed in terror….Holle-riding, to ride with Holle, is equivalent to a witches’ ride. Into the same ‘furious host,’ according to a wide-spread popular belief, were adopted the souls of infants dying unbaptized; not having been christain’d, they remained heathen, and fell to heathen gods, to Wuotan or to Hulda.” The reason for the unbaptized babies being included in Berchta’s Wild Host is because she was once a goddess who protected women, children, and guided the souls of those to the afterlife. So again we see the demonization of the old ways in the newer Christian concepts. It’s also believed that Krampus parades and the Perchtenlauf parades were inspired by the mythos of the Wild Hunt (if you’d like to see what a Krampus parade or Perchten parade looks like, simply google it. They are wild!) Saint Lucy (Lussibrud – Lucy’s Bride) Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated in Scandinavia and Italy on December 13th and honors Saint Lucia Syracuse but likely was once a celebration of the Old Norse sun goddess Sol or Sunna. December 13th in today’s calendar would have once been the Winter Solstice in the Julian calendar up until the 1800s in Scandinavia. In Sweden an old belief was that the night of Saint Lucy’s was […]

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Krampusnacht: 12 Ways to Celebrate Night of the Christmas Devil

kitty fields — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:08:45 +0000

When the bell tolls, Krampus runs down your street. He knows you’ve been a naughty child and he’s ready to pop you into his pack and give your bottom a smack. Heard of him? Interest in the Christmas Devil known as Krampus is growing worldwide. In light of this particularly unruly Yuletide figure, there are some who celebrate his night, Krampusnacht with parades, drinking and fun. Others might choose a more “tame” night. Learn the origins of the holiday Krampusnacht and ways to celebrate the Night of Krampus. Table of Contents First, Who is Krampus? Krampusnacht wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the main man himself, Krampus. Krampus is also called the Christmas Devil, for he takes on the appearance of the Christian Devil in some cases. When he’s not red, cloven-hoofed and holding a pitchfork (as is seen in the postcard depictions), Krampus typically appears as a tall, dark-furred creature with horns, sharp teeth and sometimes with a long, protruding tongue. In other depictions, he rides a goat and sometimes a broomstick. He carries a bundle of Birch twigs that he also uses to whip naughty children and disobedient women. We don’t know exactly who Krampus is, just that he is an enigma likely stemming from older pagan times. Scholars have made connections between the Christmas Devil and other ancient pagan fertility gods like Pan, Cernunnos, Faunus and Bacchus. Author Judika Illes takes note of Krampusnacht being celebrated on the same day as an ancient Roman festival called Faunalia. Faunalia was celebrated in Rome around December 5th in honor of the fertility god Faunus. And, what do you know, Faunus is the Roman equivalent to the Greek fertility god Pan. Both of whom manifest as half-man half-goat with cloven hooves, fur and horns. Just like our boy here. What we do know is the origin of Krampus hails from Southern Germany, in the Bavarian Alps. Though his image has seemingly spread worldwide these days. In Bavaria the people celebrate Krampusnacht and have a “running of the Krampuses” or Krampuslauf. This is a parade that’s become quite popular in modern times and drives tourism to the region in the Winter months. When is Krampusnacht? And What Does Krampus Do? Krampusnacht, Krampus night, is held annually on December 5th. Traditionally, Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas and sometimes the Christkind in processions. He carries his birch switch, a basket or pack on his back, and often wears bells and/or rattling chains. The birch switch is to swat people who have been disobedient, yet we can see the undeniable comparison between the ancient Roman fertility festivals like Lupercalia, in which people ran around the town swatting one another with branches. This was a way to ensure fertility, and some believed if a woman was switched she would be pregnant soon. Another nod to Krampus’ potential fertility god origins. In addition to swatting the “naughty ones”, Krampus’ presence is supposed to scare children into behaving in the coming year. His pack on his back is believed to hold the children who have been particularly naughty, and he’s also said to give out coal instead of candy. During the Krampuslauf, men and women dress up as Krampuses and run around town performing these tasks during the procession. There’s quite a bit of drinking and debauchery during Krampusnacht, and it’s likely that we are just carrying on the older pagan traditions in our revelry. In Berchtesgaden, the creatures that descend from the mountain resemble Krampus but are called Buttnmandl. Some of the Buttnmandl look uncannily like Krampus, but these “beings” are believed to drive out the evil spirits to purify the town for good. And this tradition doesn’t take place on Krampusnacht but rather in the days after Christmas leading up to the Feast of the Epiphany in January. Some folks get Frau Perchta confused with Krampus. She is not the female version of the Christmas Devil. She is, in and of herself, her own terrifying Yuletide creature with her own ancient pagan goddess origins. 12 Ways to Celebrate Krampusnacht Some of us may be fortunate enough to live in an area that upholds Krampusnacht or we may even be lucky enough to visit the region one day. Either way, here’s a few simple ways to celebrate Krampusnacht this Winter season. 1. Attend a Krampus Parade I feel like this is the most obvious way to celebrate Krampusnacht. But if you have the ability, go to a Krampus parade and take some friends or family members (just be aware the kids might be traumatized hereafter). There are many large cities in the United States, in certain places in Europe, and in Australia that are carrying on this tradition. 2. Bundle O’ Birch Twigs Since birch is representative of purification, fertility, and Krampus, why not make your own bundle o’ birch twigs to celebrate Krampusnacht? This bundle can be placed at your front door to ward off evil and bring in prosperity over the holidays from December 5th on. Or make a small bundle and place it somewhere in your Yuletide tree in honor of Krampus. 3. Watch the Krampus Movie for Krampusnacht If you’ve never seen the Krampus movie, and you prefer to stay in on Krampusnacht, make it a movie night. While some of the lore and tradition of Krampus made it into this comedic horror film, much of it is pure fantasy. But it’s fun nonetheless and makes for a very devilish night in. Take note of the Krampus in the end too. 4. The Krampus Bell After you’ve watched the Krampus movie with your family, consider purchasing a Krampus bell from Etsy (I believe I got mine on Amazon for about $30). Then wrap it and gift it to an unsuspecting victim, ahem…I mean loved one. This little prank made for a fun memory at my house last year on Krampusnacht. 5. Bake Krampus Cookies Santa Claus likes cookies, but so does Krampus. We enjoy making Krampus cookies on Krampusnacht every year. It’s […]

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Apple Magical Properties, Lore, and Ways to Use in Your Witchcraft

kitty fields — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:24:44 +0000

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or so they say. Apples are one of those fruits, that if fruits were people, they would be the ruler of the fruit kingdom. One of its names is the “fruit of the gods”, for crying out loud. Why are apples just so freaking magical? And why are they such a universal symbol of the Autumn and Winter seasons? In this scrumptious post, we explore the apple orchard and define apple magical properties. As well as bite into apple folklore and traditions, PLUS provide you with ways to harness apple energy in your witchcraft practice. First, What IS An Apple Anyway? Apples are the fruit of the apple tree, scientific name Malus domestica. They are grown worldwide today but have ancient origins in Central Asia. Although we do know they’ve been grown in Europe for thousands of years and were brought to North America with European immigrants over the past few centuries. The apple is an edible fruit (if you didn’t already know that) and one that’s well-loved worldwide. Interestingly, farmers claim growing apple trees from their own apple seeds tend to produce an entirely different tree and fruit than growing more apple trees from clonal graftings. Today apples are eaten and used in culinary dishes including savory and sweet foods and beverages. They’re covered in caramel, nuts and candy at Halloween and put on a stick for children (or adults) to eat. And they’re even featured in Disney fairy tales (think the Evil Queen in Snow White who poisons an apple and feeds it to the unsuspecting princess). Apples are a true symbol of Autumn and Winter, and likely because they’re harvested in the Fall. And because they’ve been part of Fall and Winter festivals for thousands of years. Now for the Apple in Ancient Myth and Lore Apples are featured in SO many myths that it would likely take a book to present them all to you. Luckily, I’m compiling my favorite apple myths and bits of lore here, beginning with the apple in ancient mythology. Eve and the “Apple” in the Garden of Eden I can’t talk about the apple’s magical history without mentioning the biblical story of the first woman, Eve, and her fall from grace. Basically it involves Eve, a “serpent”, and a bite of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. According to Christian lore, Eve wasn’t supposed to ever eat the fruit from this ONE tree in paradise. God had asked her not to. Well, the old trickster serpent in the garden tempted her into eating from the one forbidden tree. And so she did. In more recent centuries, that fruit has been depicted as an apple…pretty religiously (pun intended). But in all actuality, it likely wasn’t an apple if indeed this was an actual event. And if it’s just myth, it still more than likely wasn’t originally an apple. The point here is this: the apple is associated with WISDOM and an otherworldly place – the Garden of Eden. Take a mental note of that. There seems to be a link between the biblical character Eve and the ancient Sumerian goddess Inanna. Some scholars believe the story of Eve descends from this goddess’ origins. In one story, the goddess Inanna “leans against an apple tree” and beholds her own vulva and believes it beautiful. I can’t help but see a parallel between Eve and eating the apple that gave her knowledge and Inanna beholding her own “apple blossom” and knowing of her own power. Norse and Celtic Apple Magic and Legends The apple is an integral ingredient or magical item in of many Norse, Germanic and Celtic myths and folklore in later centuries. In the Prose Edda, the goddess Idunn is the guardian of an apple orchard that grows apples of eternal youth a.k.a. immortality for the gods. Loki is made to lure her out of the garden and she is then taken by a Jotunn for his own evil purposes. In Celtic myth, the beautiful fairy woman (who is also a goddess) Cliodhna offers apples of healing and immortality to journeying heroes in the Celtic Otherworld. In the Old Norse tradition, the alfablot was a sacrifice to the elves/alfar, and one fruit in particular frequented the offerings – the apple. It was considered a food of the dead. Interestingly, that goes along nicely with the Celtic Samhain and it’s other name: Feast of Apples. In Celtic lore, a magical apple branch called the silver bough allowed the person who held it to pass into the Otherworld safely. In a post-Christianized Germany, it was customary to bring an offering of apples and eggs to the cross on Easter morning. Author of Celtic Folklore Cooking, Joann Asala, claims this is likely an ancient pagan custom that was adapted and carried on in Medieval Times. Apples in Ancient Greek and Roman Religion The golden apple is a recurring theme in many myths worldwide including in ancient Greek and Roman mythos. One ancient Greek tale tells of Zeus throwing a wedding party in which one particular goddess wasn’t invited, Eris the goddess of discord. So, as disgruntled deities of chaos do, she threw a golden apple into the mix that read “to the most beautiful goddess” and watched as three deities tried their damn-dest to claim it: Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. To the Ancient Romans, fruits and in particular apples were so important that they had a goddess who guarded and presided over them – her name is Pomona. Sadly, we don’t have a ton of information on Pomona as a deity but know that she is a virginal nymph of the woods who married the personification of Autumn named Vertumnus. Because the two were a lusty match, they ensure a bountiful, fertile apple harvest on an annual basis. And at the Festival of Diana, apple boughs were carried around for luck and prosperity. Apple Magical Properties Depending on the tradition and […]

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Winter Solstice Blessings, Yule Spells and SNOWY Divinations

kitty fields — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 23:32:03 +0000

As the nights grow longer and a chill permeates the air, we begin to settle in to our homes and warm blankets more and more. I absolutely love this time of year. When stringing lights from every rooftop and tree isn’t extravagant, it’s welcomed and sometimes expected. When drinks turn hot and warm us up from head to foot. And there’s a magic that can’t quite be described. It’s also the perfect time to offer Winter Solstice Blessings. Here we provide you with a few of our favorites. In addition, a few simple and beautiful Yule spells and divination methods perfect for the Winter holiday season. Winter Solstice Blessings for All: No matter your beliefs or the individual’s beliefs, it’s never a bad thing to wish Winter Solstice blessings on someone. Especially during the holiday season. I’ve never once had a problem with someone wishing me peace and happiness over the Winter. Truly, it’s through the Winter that most people struggle with depression and loneliness, so wishing blessings on our loved ones can only serve to uplift their spirits. “Joyfully bring out the holly and ivy, Feast with the Holly King.Kiss under the mistletoe, Oh what will this Yuletide bring?Peace and prosperity ever-flowing.” ~ Otherworldly Oracle “Dress the Yule tree, light the hearthfire, invoke the Ancestors.May you be blessed with all you desire this Winter Solstice.” ~ Otherworldly Oracle “May this Winter Solstice season bring you peace, love and relaxation.We wish you a good book to read, a blanket to keep you warm,a hot drink in your cup and friends with whom to weather any storm.” ~ Otherworldly Oracle Winter Solstice Yule Spells for Protection, Prosperity & Peace When Yule or Winter Solstice comes around, we see specific themes popping up in our lives and in our magical practice. As witches and pagans, we flow with the changes all around us in nature. And many of us tend to feel those changes VERY intimately. Some of those themes you could consider working into your Yule spells include darkness and shadow work, death and rebirth, moon magic (since the nights are longer up until the day after the Solstice when they grow shorter again), sun magic (since we are encouraging the sun’s return), fire magic, feasting and abundance, divination, and dreams. 1. A Witch Ball Yule Spell for Protection To our Northern European and Germanic ancestors, Yule is as Samhain is to the Celts. Meaning the ancestors, gods, and spirits were thought to be ever-present during the Winter season. So, just as you can be visited by unwanted spirits at Samhain, so too can you be confronted by the dead during the Winter Solstice (and truly the whole Winter season). A Yule spell for protection may be necessary. Try our witch’s ball below. Here’s what you’ll need: Here’s how to cast the Witch’s Ball Yule Protection Spell: 2. A Simmer Pot Yule Spell for Prosperity Yule and Winter Solstice is truly the season of abundance. Unfortunately, many of us end up spending more than we truly have and so sometimes a Yule spell for prosperity is helpful. I’ve found my prosperity often comes from being thankful, so here I provide you with a simmer pot spell I’ve used with good results. Here’s what you’ll need: What to Do: 3. A Yule Tea Spell to Have Peace and Quiet I’m an introvert, and I’d venture to say most of the witches I know personally also have introverted personalities. This means we crave the quiet. We need alone time in order to recharge our batteries. Too many people around all of the time scatters our energy. And we all know how crazy Yule can be with visitors, parties, feasts, etc. So if you need some peace and quiet, here’s our cozy Tea Spell for a serene Solstice. Ingredients for this Yule Spell (Be prepared for Winter Solstice Blessings of Solitude) What To Do: Winter Solstice Yule Divination Methods Whether you live in a place where there’s snow or a tropical climate with palm trees and sand, the Winter Solstice gives us a time to intimately connect with the Winter Yule spirits. And how do we do that? Through divination, of course. We recommend divining in a way that you feel most comfortable, but around the sabbats trying out sabbat-themed divination tools and practices. Like incorporating snow or ice into your ritual. Snow and Ice Divination for Yule Divination by snow is called nivimancy and divination by ice is cryomancy. There’s different ways to do this. First, if you live in a place where you get snow, simply watching the snowflakes falling and allowing your mind to clear. Then letting images, words, numbers, symbols pop into your mind. If you can go out in the snow, watch the flakes and notice their patterns, how the wind blows them, etc. Ask the Winter gods, ancestors, and spirits to give you messages through the snow. If you don’t live in a place with snow, I recommend the shaved ice method. You can purchase a shaved ice machine (sno cone machine, as they’re sometimes called). Or purchase shaved ice, then allow the ice to melt and read the shape, size, etc. of the puddle made. In addition, you can gaze into the puddle and water scry. I feel the Winter spirits enjoy sending messages through the elements which includes snow, ice, mist and hail. Bake a Yule Loaf and Aleuromancy One of my favorite things to do on the holidays is bake bread. Not only can you make your loaf of bread into a spell for prosperity, health, etc. BUT you can also read the patterns in the flour on the counter. Some folks even enjoy putting little charms inside the bread (don’t feed to little kids and warn folks that there’s charms inside!) while others determine readings based on who takes the largest slice, what crumbs are left on their plates and more. Reading patterns in flour and bread is called aleuromancy. 12 Days of Yule […]

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20 Crystals for Yule Winter Solstice and How to Use Them

kitty fields — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 20:52:54 +0000

The Winter Holidays are a time for feasting, gift-giving, family time and revelry. And along with all the fun to be had, there’s typically also stress. We end up spending a lot of time around others which can leave us feeling drained and frazzled. What better way to care for yourself than with the healing power of crystals? Here we provide you with our favorite crystals for Yule Winter Solstice based on their color, uses, and vibrations. 20 of the BEST Crystals for Yule and the Winter Solstice Truly any and every crystal is useful during Yule and the Winter Solstice depending on your needs and intentions. Use what you have and what works best for you. 1. Black Obsidian for Shadow Work & Scrying One of my favorite stones in general, black obsidian is the perfect crystal for Yule and Winter Solstice in more than one way. Traditionally, black obsidian was used as one of the first mirrors, made into weapons and tools, and later used as a scrying mirror. When Winter hits, we typically slow down and go into ourselves. We go into a hibernation, so to speak. So obsidian aids in taking us deeper into our shadows and is a great tool for practicing scrying. 2. Green Calcite: Heal My Heart During the Holidays Well, green calcite is green so it’s automatically a good fit for the Yuletide season. Here at Otherworldly Oracle, we call green calcite the Witch’s Heart Stone because of its soothing, healing heart vibes. Green links it to our hearts and to the earth, and is obviously one of the colors of the Winter Solstice season (think evergreens – rebirth). Use in meditation and set around the house as a Yule decoration. 3. Red Jasper: Tantric Holiday Sex Stone Most of us spend a lot of time indoors during the Winter Solstice season. During that time, many of us tend to concentrate on pleasures of the flesh – food, drink, sleep, relaxation, and sexual relations. Red jasper isn’t just in alignment with seasonal colors, it also represents the sacral chakra and tantric sex. It stimulates a healthy sexual appetite and therefore is perfect for the Yuletide season (in my opinion). It’s also a very grounding stone, helpful when things tend to feel chaotic during the holidays. 4. Carnelian for Winter, the Season of Death Ancient Egyptians believed carnelian aided the dead into the afterlife and protected them throughout their journeys. Why is carnelian a good crystal for Yule and Winter Solstice? Because many souls cross over in the Winter…and carnelian would be a great stone to place with them in their casket or during cremation. Never mind the fact that Winter is the season of earthly death. It’s also a stone to promote vitality and abundance…ubiquitous themes during the Winter Solstice. 5. Sunstone: A Yule Sun Crystal Yule is the Winter Solstice and with the solstices we honor the sun. Basically any crystal or stone linked to the sun is appropriate for Yule. Including one of our favorites, Sunstone. Not only is it linked to the sun but it’s also great for self care, cleansing one’s aura, and ridding one’s mind and emotional body of negative energy. It “shines a light” so to speak in the darker corners of our minds and hearts to allow love to permeate. 6. Citrine Citrine as a crystal for Yule provides us with energy during a time when we may feel sleepy and sometimes even drained of energy from the holiday hustle and bustle. It’s great for recharging and aids in healing from depression and guilt. If you tend to suffer from nightmares in the Winter time (which is completely normal), citrine under the pillow rids negative energy and entities. It is also linked to the sun and therefore a wonderful Winter solstice stone. 7. Clear Quartz Seriously one of those diverse and versatile crystals, clear quartz is one that I have all over the house during the Winter holidays. The Greeks called it “krystallos” which means ice, therefore linking it to the Winter Solstice. It truly looks like hardened ice. And, just like ice, clear quartz is a powerful energy cleanser. When placed around the home at Yule, will help ward off or absorb negative vibes from visitors and family alike. 8. Rose Quartz Why is rose quartz a good crystal for Winter? Once again, self care and self love. We put so much time and effort into caring for others, particularly during the holidays, that we often neglect ourselves. By working with rose quartz amidst the holiday frenzy, you’ll draw that universal loving energy into your life and keep more of a balance. 9. Selenite Believe it or not, the moon is also an important part of Yule celebrations. After all, the Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. And selenite is actually named for the goddess of the Moon, Selene. Therefore it carries qualities of the goddess herself and of the moon including increasing psychic abilities, dream work, and connecting to the Divine. We know divination is powerful at Yule, and selenite is a great stone with which to scry the future. And aids us in communicating with angels. Speaking of angels… 10. Angelite This crystal for Yule is named for its ability to unlock angelic consciousness. And what better time to focus on angelic realms than during the Winter Solstice? This pretty blue stone also aids in speaking one’s truth, inspiring compassion, and is linked to resurrection and rebirth. All key themes during the holidays. If you find you’re lacking compassion this year, or you need to invoke a little more compassion from others, angelite is the answer. 11. Moss Agate In addition to moss agate being a perfect Yule shade of green, it it is also the gardener’s talisman according to writer Judy Hall. If you’re a gardener and dreaming about your Spring garden in the dead of Winter, holding or wearing moss agate will give you those green vibes […]

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Saturnalia: Ancient Winter Traditions & FUN Ways to Celebrate

kitty fields — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:01:58 +0000

You walk through your city and hear wild laughter and singing coming from every street. The scent of bay laurel, spruce and fir envelopes you. You notice the evergreen garlands draped over every threshold and wall of the city. The entire neighborhood is lit up and an unshakeable feeling of joy, merriment, and even a bit of primality fills the air. And, in all honesty, you’d be lying to yourself if you didn’t feel that old familiar excitement that comes every year at Midwinter…at the Saturnalia Festival. We decorate our Christmas tree, eat a Christmas ham and give gifts to one another not realizing where these traditions actually come from. Most of our holidays customs date back centuries, even thousands of years, and are linked to ancient festivals like Yule and Saturnalia. Here we answer the question what is the Saturnalia Festival? Explore the ancient Saturnalia traditions and learn how to celebrate it today with feasting, gifts, decorations and much more. Table of Contents First, What is Saturnalia? The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. What we know for sure is it that it was observed around Midwinter a.k.a. the Winter Solstice. Saturnalia was evocative of modern Christmas celebrations in that everyone in ancient Rome had off of work and participated in the excitement. Ancient Saturnalia Traditions: Role Reversals, Gag Gifts, Feasting, and Revelry Saturn, who would come to be associated with Father Time, and his consort Ops (Opis) were both worshiped on Saturnalia. Offerings and sacrifices were made to both the god and his goddess in hopes of protecting the Winter-sown crops. Author Judika Illes takes note of the similarities in appearance between the god Saturn and Saint Nick, both being depicted as older gentlemen with white beards. The statue of Saturn’s feet, typically bound the rest of the year, were freed from their bindings during the festival. This symbolized the freedom and liberation of the gods, people, and earth. An interesting Saturnalia tradition from ancient Rome consisted of allowing people to revel in a role reversal of sorts. The social norms on Saturnalia were lifted. For example, slaves were able to be the masters and masters turned into the slaves. Women could switch roles with the men and vice versa. Much revelry was to be had at the ancient Saturnalia Festivals. And what revelry would be complete without drinking and feasting? Sources say traditional foods included roast boar, cakes, walnuts, honey, grapes, fermented fish, figs, apples and of course, wine. In addition to the role reversals, large parties were had that involved orgies, fertility rites, gambling, and games of many kinds. According to Illes, cross-dressing was a common tradition and enlivened the atmosphere. Gift-giving, still common during the Winter today, was incredibly prominent in ancient Rome as a Saturnalia tradition. But more specifically gifts were given to children and gag gifts between friends. The gag gifts were called sigillaria and were typically wax dolls and figurines made to resemble gods, mythical heroes, and even grotesque monsters. These were typically sold during a Saturnalia market traditionally held during the holidays. Saturnalia Magical Correspondences Foods Herbs Decorations Customs Boar (pork) Spruce Decorated tree Gifts Cakes Fir Evergreen garland Baking Figs, grapes Holly Wreaths Purification Apples Bay laurel Gilded ornaments Feasting Olive oil Cinnamon Suns and sun faces Offerings The Gods and Spirits of Saturnalia Like their Northern European neighbors, the ancient Romans believed the spirits and gods were active during the Winter season and holidays like Saturnalia. But a few gods were particularly present and powerful at this time for other reasons. Where Northern Europeans were stocking away food and slaughtering livestock to survive the harsh winter, their Southern counterparts like the Romans were sowing seeds during the Winter. You have to remember, the climate of Italy is much different than that of Norway, for instance. Still, the themes of god/goddess worship, prosperity, feasting and gathering together were common throughout the continent and the world at Midwinter. Saturn: God of Plenty Saturn, also called Father Time and Seed-Sower, is the Roman god of agriculture, prosperity, time and fertility. In one of the myths, Saturn is a haggard wanderer who eventually is given the job of door guardian guarding Rome’s immense wealth. An important job indeed. His name is derived from saeta which means seed and he is associated with the legendary Golden Age of Plenty, of which is commemorated at Saturnalia. There’s some speculation whether Saturn was the pagan precursor of the Saint Nicholas, the saint who wandered and gave gifts to the needy and worked miracles. His Greek counterpart is Kronos, who also has a festival around Midwinter. But it wasn’t all fun and games with Saturn. Some sources claim human sacrifices were made to appease the god of plenty, particularly in Northern Africa after it had been annexed by Rome. Ops (Opis): Goddess of Peace and Prosperity December 19th is Opalia, the feast day of Saturn’s consort named Ops (or Opis). Ops is the goddess of peace, plenty, and protection. She specifically is invoked to guard one’s home against fires and to extinguish fires that have gone out of control. Interestingly, her name influenced the word opulence, which means great wealth or luxuriousness. Ops has also been associated with the Greek goddesses Rhea and Cybele, both Great Earth Mothers. The King of Saturnalia When I first heard of the King of Saturnalia, I immediately thought of the Lord of Misrule from English tradition. Upon further research, I learned this lively character is actually based on the King of Saturnalia. Rome did occupy England at one point, and people travel, right? Anyway, the King of Saturnalia was a man chosen in each household to represent the leader of Saturnalia or Lord of Misrule. […]

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The Christmas Pickle Tradition: A Surprising History and How-to

kitty fields — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 23:26:02 +0000

Out of all the things I associate with the Christmas and Winter holidays, a pickle wasn’t one of them. Until last year when I was given a glass ornament for the Yule tree in the shape of a pickle. And yes, like you, I definitely scrunched my eyebrows a bit and wrinkled my nose. Why is this person giving me a pickle ornament of all things? There has to be a story behind this. Well, there is! Here we’ll dive into the pickle jar and learn where the Christmas pickle tradition actually came from, as well as learn how to carry on this fun holiday custom. First, Let’s Talk About The Magical Pickle I feel for us to fully understand the Christmas pickle tradition, we have to understand the importance of the pickle itself. The history of the pickle might surprise you. Or, at the very least, it will entertain you. So what is a pickle? A pickle is defined as an “article of food that has been preserved in brine or vinegar.” But what we typically think of when someone says pickle is a pickled cucumber. In the United States, pickles are often sliced into “spears” or slices and they come in a sour “dill” form or the sweet “bread and butter” variety. But What About Cukes? But before we go too deeply down the pickle hole, let’s talk about cucumbers a little. The cucumber is a “creeping plant of the gourd family, widely cultivated for its edible fruit”, according to Brittanica. Apparently it’s been cultivated for at least three thousand years from its native India, and the farming of cukes isn’t slowing down any time soon. They’ve long been associated with the element of water, as well as believed to have powers of chastity, healing and fertility. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess the fertility powers are due to the shape of the cucumber? One writer says eating the fruit hinders lust, yet eating the seeds promotes fertility. The Pickle Symbolizes Preservation & Survival Before I even researched the origins of the Christmas pickle tradition, I was already thinking symbolically how the cucumber and pickle might align with the Winter holidays. And surprisingly, I came up with a pretty reasonable theory. Pickle means preservation, which in older times was a necessary task – preserving food for Winter stores. The more you were able to preserve and store, the more food you had over the colder months, and the more likely you’d actually survive the Winter. And yes, pickles have been made for thousands of years, dating to at least 2000 BCE in the Tigris Valley. So this theory might just stand up! A Strange But Interesting Piece of American Lore on Pickles… “It is generally believed that a menstruating woman can perform all of her ordinary household tasks save one – she can’t pickle cucumbers. I have known women who laugh at most backwoods superstitions yet were convinced that there was something in this idea. One girl told me that she and her sister tried it out repeatedly, and that the pickles prepared by a girl who was menstruating were always soft or flabby, never properly crisp.” Vance Randolph, Ozark Magic and Folklore So…Onto the Christmas Pickle Tradition We know pickles are old as time, and we know they represent preservation through the Winter. But how the heck did the actual Christmas pickle tradition (or Weihnachtsgurke) start? And who made it an actual thing? Some sources will tell you it was a German tradition originally, brought to the United States with German immigrants. HOWEVER, this origin story might not be correct. There’s no solid evidence to support this claim. What we do find is a man named Tim Merck who has built his business on old-timey German folk art ornaments. Namely, the Christmas pickle. He claims it is a German tradition, while others say it’s actually a German-American tradition. The origins are truly convoluted. Sketch Origin Stories and The TRUTH There are origin stories involving German-American soldiers and people hiding in pickle barrels. Yet none of these stories have supposedly been heard of before by folks who actually live in Germany. Only by German-American families. The truth is, the pickle likely came as a marketing ploy in the 1880s when there was supposedly a surplus of glass pickle ornaments. Maybe folks will be disappointed to hear their tradition isn’t German in origin. To me, it doesn’t matter. Because any tradition we carry on in my family takes on a life of its own and is inherently magical. I believe it’s simply an American tradition. But either way, the Christmas pickle has become a somewhat popular gag gift as well as actual activity for families. And its gaining popularity every year. The idea is the Christmas pickle is hidden in the Christmas tree, and on Christmas morning the first child to find it gets to open his or her gift first. What this does is gets the children to slow down and allows the family to enjoy their time together (rather than kids just tearing through their presents all at once). Alternatively, the first person who finds the Christmas pickle will have good luck all that coming year. Bad Santa and the Wooden Christmas Pickle When I brought up the Christmas pickle to my family the first time, my husband said, “you mean like in Bad Santa?” I couldn’t remember exactly what he meant, so I had to look it up for myself. And yes, the little boy whittles a wooden pickle for Billy Bob Thornton who’s the “Bad Santa” in the comedic film. I can’t help but wonder if this is a nod to the Christmas pickle tradition of the ornament in the tree. How to Carry On the Christmas Pickle Tradition The Christmas pickle tradition is easily carried on in your family, if you like a fun Christmas morning activity. In our family, we typically open presents then eat breakfast. But, honestly, my […]

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La Befana: The Italian Christmas WITCH & How to Honor Her

kitty fields — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:12:27 +0000

There are literally hundreds of different Christmas beings and spirits all over the world. Most notably, Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas and his helpers. Sometimes he’s accompanied by elves or his wife Mrs. Claus, and sometimes his sidekicks are a little more terrifying like the Christmas Devil Krampus. But in Italy, there’s Bobbo Natale and the Christmas Witch, La Befana. Who is this jolly, mythical hag that flies around giving gifts to deserving children? Might she be a revenant of an ancient goddess of kindness and fortune? Who is La Befana? The Christmas we know today has morphed and evolved into something quite its own over the centuries. Every culture, country, and sometimes individual families have their own special holiday customs and beliefs. Italy is no different. What I find most interesting is their tradition of La Befana, who is essentially a benevolent, kind witch who gives gifts to children on Epiphany Eve (January 5th). Remind you of someone? Yes, La Befana is similar to Santa Claus, the gift-giving jolly old elf that flies around giving out presents on Christmas Eve. But Befana isn’t a plump old man dressed in red. She’s a haggard old woman covered in soot who flies through the air on her broomstick or on the back of a goat. She carries a heavy sack full of toys and sometimes appears hunchbacked. Befana sends candy and money down the chimneys of children, which then lands in their boots or stockings. That is, if they’ve been good. If they’ve been bad, they’ll find a lump of coal or a stick instead. Befana, also called Befana La Vecchia (Befana the Crone), is believed to have gotten her name by mispronunciation of the word Epiphania. Epiphania being the Greek word for manifestation and the name for her special day – Epiphany Eve. She’s celebrated all over Italy, including in Sicily, as well as in the Italian region of Switzerland. Her other names include Befania and Befana La Strega (Befana the Witch). Italian families in the United States and elsewhere also seek to keep her tradition alive. The Feast of the Epiphany: Ancient, Secret Origins The question I will pose here is this – is La Befana an ancient pagan goddess in disguise? Her feast day, the Eve of the Epiphany, isn’t purely Christian in origin. According to CatholicIreland.com, the modern Epiphany was originally a pagan feast day in ancient Rome and Egypt. The Ancient Egyptians observed the death of Osiris on January 6th, while in Alexandria the people celebrated the birth of their sun god called Aeon on January 5th. In ancient Greek religion, an epiphany meant the actual physical manifestation of a god or goddess. Whoever was the blessed person to see the deity would be protected from their enemies or showered with an abundance of gifts. Sound familiar? La Befana’s Christian Story: The Visit of the Magi and the Baby In later centuries, after the church rose to power, Winter festivals and pagan godly manifestations became Christmas and the Epiphany. In the West, the epiphany is the day when the visit of the Magi is celebrated. And in the East, it’s the Theophany and honors the appearance of father God at Jesus’ baptism. La Befana’s story, as told today, has a few variations. One tells of the Magi (three wisemen) passing by her home on the way to meet the baby Jesus. They call out to the people in her village, telling them they go to see the new savior and that they bear gifts. Unfortunately, Befana is too busy sweeping her floors and tidying up her house to meet the Magi with gifts for the divine baby. She immediately regrets this and spends the rest of time flying around delivering gifts to children in penance. Another extremely sad variation of the story tells of Befana losing her firstborn son, and hearing of Jesus’ birth believes he is hers. She flies around looking for the baby and for her lost child. And yet another story tells of Befana seeing a bright light in the sky, and filled with longing for her son, she sets off on her broom in search of him. The Befana comes at nightIn worn-out shoes.For the small, little children she leaves a lot of little chocolates,For the bad little children, she leaves ashes and coal. ~ Italian Nursery Rhyme Is La Befana Actually An Ancient Goddess? We know the modernized story of La Befana but why is a witch of all characters associated with such a holy night as Eve of the Epiphany? Strange, isn’t it? Not really. When we dig into the origins of the Winter holidays, we see most of our modern celebrations date back thousands of years to a time before the church. To a time when our ancestors were pagan and believed in multiple gods and goddesses. The truth of the matter is, Jesus wasn’t even born in the Winter. Scholars posit he was born sometime in the Summer. So the church changed his birthday to the Winter holidays to make it easier for the pagans to convert to Christianity. And La Befana? Have you heard of a witch in the Bible that’s not burned or exiled? I haven’t. The consensus on the Italian Christmas Witch is that she originates in the pagan past of ancient Rome. And likely was once a beloved goddess who protected children and showered her devotees with gifts of abundance and wellbeing. Strenia: Goddess of Gift-Giving and Blessings Some historians believe Befana is the modern, diminished version of the ancient Roman goddess Strenia. Also called Strenua. As a deity whose domain was the New Year, health and purification, these themes definitely align with Befana’s. Her name is the origin of the words strenna and strenae, meaning gifts of money and also words for wellbeing. In Ancient Rome, Strenia was honored on the New Year with a loud and riotous procession (later discouraged by the church) in which the people would carry laurel twigs from […]

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20 Christmas Spices & Herbs to Fill Your Home With Joy

kitty fields — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 14:49:15 +0000

The holidays are coming! And what better way to fill your home with Yuletide cheer than to decorate, cook and bake with the season’s traditional herbs and spices? I’ll bet some of your best Christmas memories are invoked with certain traditions, aromas and flavors. Was it the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven that you’ll always remember? Or maybe the woodsy scent of evergreen Christmas tree filling the family room? Here we explore the fun folklore behind traditional Yule herbs and Christmas spices, and remind our readers the many ways they can be used to set the mood this holiday season. 10 Traditional Yule Herbs Yule is the pagan Christmas holiday and dates back thousands of years. In fact, most of our modern Christmas traditions originate in the Old Germanic and Norse celebration of Yuletide. Take note here – not all of our Yule herbs listed are edible or are safe for human consumption. Pay attention to which say edible or not edible. 1. Mistletoe (NOT Edible – For Decoration) For centuries, mistletoe has been a traditional Yule herb. True, it’s not edible, but it’s been used as a magical herb by the Celts and Norse peoples for similar reasons. Did you know at one point the Church banned it completely? Mistletoe was sacred to the Druid priests as it could be found growing on their most treasured tree – the oak. The Celts believed whatever powers the tree had, so too would the mistletoe that grew on it. The Norse people associated mistletoe with the trickster god Loki. The belief that mistletoe brought good luck and banished evil likely gives way to the tradition of kissing underneath of it at Christmas-time. 2. Ivy (NOT Edible) Ivy was once an inseparable part of Christmas celebrations in Medieval Times, likely originating centuries before in ancient Yule and Winter Solstice traditions. If Holly represents the divine masculine energy, Ivy is the feminine. Ivy and holly and other evergreens not only honored life in the Dead of Winter but also warded off evil spirits. The Christmas Ivy’s magic dates back to the ancient Celts – it was linked to the Celtic goddess Arianrhod and thought to bring fertility to women. Again, a plant that lives even in Winter. The Christmas ivy has fallen out of favor in modern holiday celebrations, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring it back? “The Holly and the IvyWhen they are both full grownOf all the trees that are in the woodThe Holly bears the crown.” ~ Old British Christmas Folk Song 3. Holly (NOT Edible) Holly is a tree with spiky, glossy green leaves and red berries. A tree that lives through the harsh Winter weather and doesn’t lose its leaves or life. An evergreen that was particularly beloved by the ancient Romans and Celts. It was seen as a representation of the Divine Masculine, and when the Church rose to prominence, the holly berries became a symbol of Christ’s blood on the cross. And the leaves a reminder of life after death. Use holly in your Christmas and Yule decorations: wreaths, garlands, table centerpieces, etc. 4. Rosemary (Safe in Food / Edible) Rosemary has been a favorite Yule herb and Christmas plant for centuries. Unfortunately, I don’t have solid evidence of its ancient pagan origins linking it to Yule or the Winter Solstice. But I do know it’s been a part of the Winter holidays for centuries, and once Christianity became the main religion in Europe, the rosemary plant took on a new legendary status. Mother Mary is said to have draped baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes over a rosemary bush. The white flowers turned blue in honor of the baby. Ever since, rosemary has been included in Christmas and Yule herbs. Rosemary is safe to use in your foods, teas, decorations and other Yule preparations. It’s delicious stuffed into roasted chickens and turkeys. Flavors soups, stews, and pork dishes perfectly. Some people even keep a small “rosemary tree” in their homes for the beautiful aroma and as a bringer of prosperity. You can even diffuse rosemary essential oil in your home to evoke that Yuletide energy. 5. Juniper (Semi-Edible, See Below) Juniper has been part of the Winter festivities in Europe for likely thousands of years. It is evergreen, like many of the beloved Yule herbs, and produces berries. Juniper berries can be used to flavor some broths, soups, and meat dishes. But the whole berries are removed before serving. In Medieval times, folks burned juniper branches in their homes to ward off bugs, as well as negative spirits around Christmastime. In parts of Switzerland, boys still parade through the streets carrying Juniper branches on New Years Eve. Use juniper berries to flavor your Christmas dishes, or burn juniper bundles to spiritually cleanse your home at Yuletide. 6. Spruce: The Yule Tree A plentiful tree in Northern Europe, Spruce has been a popular choice for Christmas tree for centuries. But even more so in recent years. We could imagine our ancient Germanic ancestors decorating giant Spruce trees in centuries-past. And possibly clipping off branches and bringing them inside to keep the hope alive through the Winter holidays. 7. Rose of Jericho: Christmas Resurrection Herb In modern times, a plant called the Rose of Jericho has become a popular Christmas and Yule herb. It’s actually not an herb, per se, but a type of spike moss that’s native to the deserts of Mexico and the Southwest United States. The amazing thing about this plant is that it goes into a period of hibernation when it’s source of water is gone. Once you place the balled-up dry plant in an inch of water, it springs back to life within 24 hours. Both pagans and Christians have come to recognize this plant as a symbol of resurrection and life after death. It brings hope for the sun’s return after a long Winter. And reminds some of the death and rebirth of Jesus of Nazareth. It’s common to bring […]

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Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday? Yuletide Traditions With Ancient Origins

kitty fields — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:19:35 +0000

Ever heard someone say, keep Christ in Christmas? Well, pagans like to say keep Christmas…pagan! Which begs us to question, is Christmas a pagan holiday or a Christian holiday? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of our most beloved Christmas traditions, meals and legendary figures and see just how ancient and pagan they truly are. 7 Reasons Christmas May Be A Pagan Holiday There are many reasons why Christmas is indeed a pagan holiday, but we’ll start with saying that it was once called Yule by the Norse and Germanic peoples (modern pagans continue the ancient ways by calling it Yule). But truly, nearly every ancient pagan peoples had their own Winter festivals and celebrations. The old Twelve Days of Christmas tradition began on the Winter Solstice and extended to New Years Eve…a tradition that originated with the ancient Norse and Germanic people. Prior to Christianization. When the Church sought to convert the “heathens”, they found it easier to allow them to keep their Yule celebrations rather than stamping it out completely. They just called it Christmas and changed the celebration of the old gods to that of the new one – Jesus Christ. And called it Christ-mass. 1. The Christmas Tree and Wreath Does it seem likely the Church thought up the custom of decorating an evergreen tree? It’s not likely, because this is an inherently pagan tradition. Decorating trees, particularly evergreen trees, with ribbons and charms predates the Church by thousands of years. We believe the ribbons and decorations were originally used as offerings to the evergreen trees’ spirits. And to honor the life-death-rebirth cycle so apparent during the Winter season. Interestingly, the word Yule, taken from the word Jol, may have originally meant wheel. And so, theory goes that the Christmas wreath is actually a symbol for the Wheel of the Year, signifying the changing of the seasons and the life-death-rebirth cycle. 2. Feasting and Parties at Christmas-time In ancient times, our ancestors had no refrigerator. No freezer. No electricity. Which also means no central heating. Winter was a harsh time, and quite a few people lost their lives to disease, hunger, and the cold. So, at the Winter Solstice, the true beginning of the Winter months, people would lighten the mood and celebrate with a great feast. It was also a necessity to slaughter the livestock for preservation and religious purposes. Which meant – feasting was required! Today we often have a ham at Christmas time. This may be a tradition reminiscent of the sacrificial yule boar that was once offered to the Norse god Freyr at Yule. In addition, meads and ales were typically ready for drinking at this time. 3. Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday? Let’s Look at Santa Claus a Little Closer Santa Claus is one of the most well-known mythical figures in the world. He is particularly popular in the United States and in slightly different guises throughout Europe. Folks today might think Santa Claus has always been around. But he’s a fairly modern version of ancient divine Wintry figures. Christianity claims that Santa Claus originates in the story of Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop of Greece who gave his time to the poor and disadvantaged. However, modern pagans see Santa Claus’ as a continuation of the old gods of Yule, namely Jolnir (translates to the Yule One)…better known as Odin. Let’s compare the two: Santa Claus Odin “Yule One” White hair, long beard Gray/white hair, long beard Drives Sleigh with 8 Reindeer Rides Sleipnir, eight-legged flying steed Flies the skies on Christmas Eve Leads the Wild Hunt – a procession that flies the sky in Winter We leave cookies & milk for Santa We sacrificed livestock and gave offerings to Odin on Yule Brings presents to the children and fills stockings with candy/treats Children left food out for Sleipnir; Odin would reward those children and leave them treats Ded Moroz (Morozko) is the Slavic Santa But Odin isn’t the only Winter deity that seems eerily similar to our modern Santa Claus. Let’s look at the Slavic mythical figure known as Ded Moroz. His name translates to “Grandpa Frost”. Look up a picture of Ded Moroz and you’ll mistake him immediately for our jolly ol’ Saint Nick. In fact, Ded Moroz brings presents to well-behaved children in Russia and some Eastern European countries throughout the Winter season, namely on New Years Eve. He is sometimes accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Winter Maiden. Scholars believe he was once considered a Snow Demon in ancient times, keeping in mind the term “demon” originally meant an immortal spirit, rather than an evil minion of the Christian devil’s. 4. Gift-giving The tradition of giving gifts during the Winter season is ancient and spans cultures. In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was an ancient Winter festival that celebrated the god Saturn during the month of December. The Romans gave each other gifts during this time. This tradition is reflected in the story of the three wise-men and the gifts they bring to the newborn Jesus. But gift-giving isn’t limited to the Romans or to baby Jesus, as the ancient Germanic peoples also gave gifts to one another. This was a transfer of blessings for health and abundance. 5. The Pagan Yule Log While this isn’t as common a tradition as it once was, the yule log is still around. The yule log custom requires a family to select a specific log to be burnt little by little each of the twelve nights of Christmas. This is yet another Christmas tradition believed to have ancient pre-Christian Germanic origins. The yule log was a form of sympathetic magic, in that it represented and welcomed the return of the sun. Additionally, the yule log warded off illness, evil spirits, lightning strikes to the home and fires. In modern times, folks still burn a yule log and spread the ashes over the garden or property to welcome good luck in the coming new year. 6. Yule Singing, Wassailing […]

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