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A toddler playing in the fountain at a park in Santa Fe, New Mexico—Photo LD Lewis. In August, we live through the Dog Days of Summer. It's hot and often humid, and those ...
Can you hear that sigh of relief from parents worldwide? Yes! September marks the return of students to school, a global phenomenon. Preparations for the ACT and SATs begin earnestly for ...
October is the busiest month for events, with 5% more happening than in May, the second most eventful month. Sailing enthusiasts will be glued to the finals of this year's Am...
"Troll the ancient yuletide carols, fa la la la la..." If you've been in a Christian country during the holiday season, no doubt you've heard a reference to Yule in the carol "Deck the Halls." This event is the song's topic.
Yule is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. Pagan faiths previously, and Wiccans today, believe the Yule, or Alban Athan, occurs on the year's longest night. The faithful believe this night marks the sun god's death and the earth goddess's rebirth. Feasting, bonfires, and singing mark celebrations.
Enter Rome. Pope Julius I, who shepherded the Christian faith between February 6, 337 - April 12, 352, chose December 25 as the birthday of Jesus Christ. The date coincided with the pagan Roman holiday "Dies natalis solis invicti," which translates to "the birthday of the invincible Sun," permitting those who hadn't converted to celebrate their traditions with others, including caroling, feasting, and fire.
Fire brings us to the symbol of the Yule log, which originated in Scandinavia. The Yule log was an entire tree set alight on the solstice to entice the sun to return. The tree would burn for twelve days, and its ashes were folded into the soil at spring planting to ensure a bountiful harvest. In modern times it is tradition to burn a large log on the fire on Christmas Eve. Streaming services also provide a Yule log screen saver for those without a fireplace.
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