Many of the traditions we associate with Christmas actually originated in early winter solstice traditions.
The Scandinavian winter solstice festival Yule has many traditions that have been adopted by Christmas. Yule is traditionally celebrated for 12 days, which is where the 12 days of Christmas originated. The yule log we see at Christmas time comes from winter solstice celebrations when pagans would burn a yule log to symbolise the returning of the sun.
Evergreen trees have long been seen as a symbol of continual life, so it’s no surprise these were decorated to celebrate the solstice in years gone by. The tradition of decorating evergreens is now synonymous with Christmas, with the decorated trees known as Christmas trees.
The use of holly and mistletoe as decorations also dates back to pagan times. Plants and flowers were often brought into people’s homes to celebrate holidays, so evergreen plants such as holly and mistletoe were commonly used as winter solstice decorations. The tradition of kissing under mistletoe comes from Scandinavian mythology. According to the story, Baldur, the son of Odin and Frigg, was so beloved that his mother asked all plants and animals to swear not to harm him. Unfortunately she forgot about mistletoe, and Loki fashioned an arrow from the plant, using it to kill Baldur. Frigg then declared that mistletoe would never again be used as a weapon, and she would kiss anyone who passed underneath it.
The winter solstice was also traditionally celebrated by a great deal of feasting, to celebrate the coming of spring and hopefully an abundance of food and good harvests after a long, cold winter. One of the biggest ways we celebrate Christmas now is by overindulging on food and drink.
Many winter celebrations around the world have their roots in winter solstice celebrations, just like Christmas.
Thank you for reading.
Why not take a look at one our previous Christmas blogs:
The History of Santa Claus
Traditional Festive Food & Drink
