Channels:

Holiday Dates
Around the World
Bizarre and Unique Days
Birthdays
Anniversaries
This Day in History

Greeting Cards

Christmas
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Easter
Valentine's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Chinese New Year

Other:

Holiday Shop
Flower Shop

Pumpkin Nook
Gardener's Net

* * * * * * *

Shop for:

Seasonal:
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Other Holidays
Carving Stuff
Fog Machine
Jello Molds
Lights
House Flags
Candles
Decorations
Kitchen/Party Supply

Gardening:
Annual Seeds
Perennials Seeds
Vegetable Seeds
Herb Seeds
Organic Seed/Supply
Flower Bulbs
Composters
Greenhouses
Houseplants
Planters
Raised Beds
Supplies
Tools

Yard & Deck:
Grills
Hammocks
Hose Carts/Reels
Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor Storage Statues/Elves
Pest Control

*****

The Yule Log

The tradition of burning the yule log goes back about 1000 years ago in Europe. The tradition varied by culture and country, taking somewhat different forms in a similar theme. It's roots goes back to pagan European cultures who celebrated the winter Solstice and the feast of Yule. In ancient Rome, the winter celebration was called The Feast of Saturnalia. During the Yule celebration, big bonfires (Yule Fires) were made. People danced around the Yule fire honoring their pagan gods of winter.

In more recent times, the Yule log was a partially charred log from the prior year's fire. The log was kept for a year to protect the home from fires. It was then brought out during Christmas and very ceremoniously lit and burned. The whole event is steeped in ceremony that varied by family and culture.

Today, we talk about the Yule log. We even sing about it. But, few families really practice the traditions. The thought and practicality of keeping a charred log in your home for a year has lost it's appeal.

Winter Solstice

The Yule Log

The Yule Log, a pagan custom

Yule Log and Yule Fire

Euro-Yule see what people in other countries eat for Christmas