Mourbi Dutta

The winter season is filled with customs for celebration and many of them are in commemoration of the winter solstice or Yule. Let us learn some amazing facts about the history and origin of this festival.

The origin of the term 'Yule' is Old English. It comes from the word 'geol' and shares its history with the equivalent of the Old Norse word 'jól'. It is one of the world's oldest winter celebrations. The terms refer to a midwinter celebration focused on the winter solstice which historically denoted the season's midpoint.

It is believed that Yule was a celebration of the Sun's reappearance and the fertile land's regeneration. Most of the time that ancient people spent outside was on a wild hunt. Their lifestyles were thus greatly influenced by the weather and the seasons.

Yule traditions and customs come in a wide variety. The festivities often comprised a sumptuous feast and general merriment that included dancing, drinking, and caroling.

Later, when Christianity reached the British Isles, Christians transformed the pagan festival's elements into a celebration of Christ's birth. The Christmas feast day was established on December 25 by Pope Julius I. It was made to coincide with the Roman pagan celebration as Christianity expanded in the 4th century.

Some Yule festivities in the current day aim to revive ancient traditions. On the other hand, some have been modified or reworked to fit modern religious and personal beliefs.

Yule and its cognates refer to the Christmas holiday season in locations where current Germanic languages are spoken. Despite the significance of this time of year, many Pagans just observe Yule on the solstice and do not observe the whole 12 days.