Pagan Friendly Decorations for Yule

Paganism, including Wicca, is based on a symbolic mythology. The stories of the gods and goddesses from legends of old are aspects of the One Spirit, stories which humans developed to explain forces that to them were often unexplainable. The goddess giving birth to the Sun at Yule symbolizes the cycle of life, both in nature and in the lives of humans. As the earth repeats the process of death to rebirth and renewal, so do people pass through the seasons of life.

Joseph Campbell said, "Myth must be kept alive. The people who can keep it alive are the artists of one kind or another." He also stated, "Every myth is psychologically symbolic. Its narratives and images are to be read, therefore, not literally, but as metaphors."

The symbols associated with the Winter Solstice/Yule are therefore important to our inner consciousness, to keep us in touch with our spiritual selves. At some deep level, as we gaze and think upon these tangible representations of older traditions, we re-connect with a world filled with mystery, wonder, and infinite possibilities.

Image is from a vintage postcard. To me it symbolizes innocence and simple beauty.

There are many stories of the history of the Yule Log, depending on what culture is being discussed. We do know that in the Nordic countries, the people would drag in a big log to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The fire symbolized the return of the light as the wheel turned from darkness of winter to the light of spring. A piece of the unburned part of the previous year's Yule log was used to kindle the new flame. It would then be allowed to burn or smolder for 12 days and was believed to bring prosperity and protection to the household.

Many pagans today continue this tradition and if they don't have a fireplace, they may use a smaller log with holes to hold three candles.

Vintage Yule Log Ornament by WelcomeYule

Yule Log - Welcome Yule by WelcomeYule

In a Forest Near Chartres France Druids Collect Mistletoe for Ritual Purposes
Artist Eugene Damblans

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Mistletoe was considered sacred by the Druids, particularly when found on oak trees. It was considered to be the soul of the tree. It was cut using a golden sickle and caught in a white cloth, as it could not touch the ground. They used it as a remedy for many diseases.

The custom of kissing under the mistletoe comes from Scandinavian myth. The god Baldur, son of Frigga who was the goddess of Love, was killed by a spear of mistletoe. Frigga wept for her son and her tears turned to white berries on the mistletoe plant. Baldur is restored to life and Frigga, in her joy, decreed that the plant was sacred and a symbol of peace and love. Anyone who passed under it would receive a kiss.

Image from vintage holiday greeting card.

Holiday LED candles have swivel bases with suction cups to stand on a table or adhere to a window. Accented with holly rings. Each candle uses 2 AA batteries (not included). 9 1/2"H

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Because of my Finnish ancestry, I have become interested the the Finnish version of Santa, Joulupukki. The Joulupukki translated means "Yule Goat" The traditions have evolved over the years, as the Yule Goat used to be a ugly creature that scared children and demanded gifts. Today he resembles the American Santa Claus although he lives in Lapland and his reindeer don't fly.

A tomte (or tontuu in Finnish) is a Scandinavian mythical creature, much like a brownie. He is said to be a small elderly man with a full beard and dressed as a farmer. The tomte was originally believed to be the soul of the original owner of the farm. He would take care of the farm and its animals, but could also be easily angered. Thus the custom of putting out a bowl of porridge for the tomte is a form of ancestral worship.

Sources: Juoluupukki and Tomte