Ben Carter
The Yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze during the Winter Solstice to celebrate the return of the sun. The tradition of burning a Yule log for one or more nights starting on Christmas Eve was also widespread in France and Germany. In modern times, another tradition has emerged where three holes are bored in the top of the log for three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. The candles are lit on Christmas Eve, and it is common practice for people to silently make a wish. The candles are then allowed to burn out, and no other lights are lit that night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 3 or 12 |
| When to start burning | Christmas Eve or the night of the Long Night's Moon |
| When to stop burning | When the log has burned away or on the 12th night, 1st January |
| Colour of candles | Green, red, silver, white, black or multicoloured |
| Who lights the candles | The youngest person present |
| What to do while lighting | All remain silent and make a wish |
| What to do after lighting | Sing songs or carols |
| What to do with remnants | Save remnants of the fire and use them to start the Yule Log fire the following year |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the Yule log
The Yule log is a specially selected log burnt on a hearth as a winter tradition in regions of Europe, and subsequently North America. The tradition is celebrated by Christians and modern pagans on or around Christmas/Yule. The name, as well as when and how the Yule log should be burnt, varies widely with time and place.
The first solid evidence for this tradition originates in 1184 CE as a Christian Christmas Eve tradition. The practice was originally known as the "Christmas log" (and still is in languages other than English), with "Yule log" first used in the late 17th century. The origins of the Yule log are unclear, with scholars proposing a variety of possible theories ranging from a medieval Christmas tradition, a surviving ritual from Albanian, Roman, Celtic, Germanic, Baltic, or Slavic paganism, or as a Proto-Indo-European ritual that has survived in a variety of cultures until today.
Beginning in the 18th century, it was theorized that the custom may have much earlier origins, extending from customs observed in Germanic paganism. Starting in 1725, Henry Bourne was the first to link the Yule log in Anglo-Saxon paganism. He described how the forefathers would light candles of an uncommon size, which were called "Christmas candles", and place a log of wood upon the fire, which they termed a "Yule-clog" or "Christmas-block". These were to illuminate the house and turn the night into day.
In medieval Europe, the burning of a large log on Christmas Eve may have been a way to celebrate the end of the period of fasting and contemplation that lasted from the start of Advent through Christmas Eve, and to celebrate the coming feasts and celebrations on Christmas Day. The earliest textual evidence specifically mentioning large public Christmas fires occurs in 1577 and 1591, both in legal charters from Germany. The custom of burning a Yule log for one or more nights starting on Christmas Eve was also formerly widespread in France, where it was known as "bûche de Noël".
In modern times, another tradition has emerged since not everyone has fireplaces. Three holes are bored in the top of the log for three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. Normally, these candles are white, red, and black in honour of the triple aspect. This log may be reused year after year, with the candles changed annually.
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How to make a Yule log candle
The Yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze during the Winter Solstice to celebrate the return of the sun. The tradition of burning a Yule log for one or more nights starting on Christmas Eve was also widespread in France and Germany.
To make a Yule log candle, you will need a round log at least 13 inches long and 5 inches thick. If your wood is not dried or seasoned, let it dry out for at least a week before use. Flatten the bottom of the log with a saw to ensure that it sits without wobbling.
Next, determine where the three candle holes should be drilled along the top of the log. They should be evenly spaced. The size of the holes will depend on the size of your candles. Drill the holes about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch to accommodate the candles.
Once the holes are drilled, you can place the candles in the log. The candles may be green, red, and silver or white to represent the Oak King, the Holly King, and the Goddess; or white, red, and black to represent the Triple Goddess. You can also decorate the log with holly, evergreens, and mistletoe.
Finally, place the Yule log candle on a flat surface and light the candles. Enjoy the warm glow of your Yule log candle and celebrate the return of longer days!
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The meaning of the three candles
The Yule Log is an ancient symbol of the season, which originated with the Celts. The log is usually cut from an oak tree and decorated with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens. The burning of the Yule Log is symbolic of the return of the sun and longer days.
In modern times, the Yule Log has been adapted to include three candles, which are placed in holes bored into the log. The three candles can be green, red, and silver or white to represent the Oak King, the Holly King, and the Goddess. Alternatively, the candles can be white, red, and black to represent the Triple Goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone.
The first candle is lit to represent the people of the past—our ancestors. The candle embodies the ""fire" energy within its flame, bringing light and warmth to the darkest night of the year. It is a reminder of the ancient bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze during the winter solstice to celebrate the return of the sun.
The second candle is then lit to represent the people of the present—our friends and family. This candle symbolizes the power of possibilities, illuminating the night and turning it into day. It is a time for family members to come together, make wishes, and contemplate the year ahead.
Finally, the third candle is lit to represent the people of the future—our children and grandchildren. This candle marks the end of the ritual, and it is during this time that resolutions for the coming year may be made. The candles are allowed to burn out, and the remnants of the fire are saved to start the Yule Log fire the following year.
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Rituals and traditions
The Yule log is an ancient symbol of the season, derived from the bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze during the Winter Solstice to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of spring. The tradition has evolved over the centuries, with variations emerging across different cultures and regions.
In medieval Europe, the Yule log was burned on Christmas Eve to mark the end of the fasting period from the start of Advent to Christmas Eve and to celebrate the coming feasts and celebrations on Christmas Day. This tradition is mentioned in legal charters from Germany in 1577 and 1591. The custom of burning a Yule log on Christmas Eve was also widespread in France, where it was known as "bûche de Noël".
In modern times, the Yule log tradition has been adapted for those without fireplaces. A round log is flattened at the bottom and three holes are bored into the top for candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. The candles may be white, red, and black or green, red, and silver/white, depending on the tradition being followed. The log may be decorated with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens, and the candles are lit from the Yule log itself.
The Yule log ceremony is often accompanied by rituals and traditions that vary across different cultures and beliefs. For example, in some traditions, the Yule log is used to symbolise the release of intentions or wishes for the coming year. Family members may write their wishes or resolutions on pieces of paper or speak them aloud while burning oak twigs or acorns in the Yule log fire. In other traditions, the Yule log is used to honour ancestors and give thanks for the blessings of the present. Each candle lit on the Yule log represents a different aspect: the first candle honours ancestors, the second candle gives thanks for friends and family, and the third candle represents hopes for the future.
The ashes of the Yule log are also considered sacred in some traditions. They are tied up in a cloth and kept for the entire year as a charm for protection, fertility, strength, and health. Alternatively, the ashes are saved to light the following year's Yule log, continuing the cycle of traditions and rituals.
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When to burn the Yule log candle
The Yule log is an ancient symbol that originated with the Celts. It is traditionally burned on Christmas Eve to celebrate the end of the period of fasting and contemplation that lasted from the start of Advent through Christmas Eve. The tradition also symbolises the return of the sun and the coming of longer days.
The burning of the Yule log can also take place on the night of the Long Night's Moon, which is considered the darkest night of the year.
The lighting of the Yule log candle can be done in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and tradition. Some choose to burn the log on Christmas Eve, while others may burn it on the night of Yule or the Winter Solstice. Some people may burn a log every day during the 12 days of Yule, while others may only burn one log for the entire holiday.
When burning a Yule log candle, it is important to ensure that it is made from dried oak and decorated with burnable ribbons, evergreens, holly, and mistletoe. The candle may be lit before supper on Christmas Eve, and all other lights are typically extinguished. Family members may take turns sharing their wishes for the coming year, and the candle is allowed to burn out on its own.
The ashes of the Yule log candle are considered sacred and are often saved to start the fire for the following year's Yule log.
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