Yule is not originally the Winter Solstice
Of pagan origin, we read everywhere that this festival inherited from the Scandinavian countries would be the oldest celebration of the winter solstice. But it was King Hakon the Good who in the 10th century moved this festival to Christmas time to help the Christianization of the country . Before that, Yule was celebrated in the heart of winter and depended on the lunar months. Sometimes in December, sometimes in January.
Solstice day is not exactly solar rebirth ✨
It seems counterintuitive, but if the sun stops waning around the Solstice, the days do not get longer. Astronomically, what the day gains in the morning, it continues to lose in the evening. The nights will continue to equalize until December 25, Christmas Day. And it is only when the solar star truly wins its fight against darkness and begins to grow again.
Saint Lucia is another forgotten solar festival ☀️
Celebrated in Sweden on December 13th, its roots go back to Sweden's pagan times. It is the original festival of light in this country, where a mythical woman becomes the "light bearer". It could be the oldest winter solstice festival, placed at the time of the longest night of the year. You read that right. Because older calendars often shifted the solstices and equinoxes, and the date of the 13th was only kept out of habit in Sweden.
Modern Yule is not really a traditional holiday
Very unpopular opinion: The Yule you see on social media is a neo-pagan invention loaded with marketing that often has nothing to do with the traditional celebration from which it claims to descend. And while the intention to reinvent a more authentic celebration is laudable in the face of this debilitating overconsumption that has stripped Christmas of its magic, Yule is nonetheless influenced by trends that mix fantasy and history. And that's okay, as long as we're aware of it.
Celebrate Yule or Christmas?
Both, my captain.
As you can see, at Runes de Chêne , we share the idea that the spirit of a celebration prevails over how it is called or its roots. It is better to keep the flame alive or dig a new hearth rather than worshiping ashes.
As you celebrate the Solstice, Yule, Christmas, all three at once... the form matters little , only the substance counts. This year, reclaim this holiday and celebrate the rebirth of the sun, the fight of light against darkness, the clan, the joy and warmth of a home!
