|
Navigation |
|
Winter Solstice Yule, Yuletide, Longest Night Winter Solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Because it is an astronomical even, the actual date will vary from year to year. This is the festival of the rebirth of the Sun, having been in decline since the Summer Solstice, the Sun now beings to increase in strength. This is to be remembered as a Solar Festival, if nothing else.This is also the Sabbat of the Oak King and the Holly King. Here, the Oak King, Lord of the Summer, is reborn. In legend the Oak King and Holly Kings are brothers who share the rule of the year, with the Oak King reigning from midwinter to midsummer, and the Holly King from midsummer to midwinter. In this way they represent light and dark individually, and balance the year. This does not reflect good and evil, but the halves of the year throught the Sun, the bringer of life. This is also the height of the Wild Hunt in some faiths, which started at Samhain. It is said that anyone who is unwary enough to be out at midnight on this day will be swept up by the Hunter and carried away. |
|
TIMES Even though the date can change year to year, most witches celebrate this Sabbat on the 21st of every year. Usually the 20th or 21st of December. Yuletide (the Teutonic version) lasts from December 20th to the 31st. It begins on 'Mother Night' and ends on 'Yule Night', hence the 12 days of Christmas. |
|
DECORATIONS * Evergreen decorations as a reminder of the growing season.* Decorations of red and green. * Decorated Logs * Evergreen/Pine trees (The Yule Tree) decorated in the colors and properties of the season, topped with a pentacle or pentacle wreath hung off middle branches (if desired). * Wreaths of holly with berries, symbolizing the resting Mother and/or the Holly King * Bayberry Candles & Incense * Reindeer Stags to represent the Horned God * Bring seasonal plants into the home |
|
ACTIVITIES * Cut and decorate the Yule Tree.* Exchange presents symbolizing the 'gift' of life and fellowship. * Burning of the Yule Log (usually after dinner). Since many witches do not have the ability to burn a whole log, it is commonly done by setting candles upon a sturdy log and each witch present lights their candle and makes a wish, and then left to burn out (attended!). This is also done by (or in addition to the previous) baking a Yule Log (roll cake) and decoration it with frosting and powdered sugar to represent the falling snow. Each witch present will put in a candle (such as a birthday candle), light it individually while making a wish. The candles are then blown out by the group and the cake is then eaten. * Light a Yule Candle - usually gold, green, red, or white - and dedicate it to the rising Sun and days of increasing light. * Sit outside on the morning of the Sabbat to watch the Sun raise, marking the beginning of the Sun's growth. |
|
FOOD & DRINK * Cakes and Wine are an important part of most Sabbats and/or Rituals, however, more potent on this Sabbat.* Fancy Cookies & Breads |
|
WINTER SOLSTICE RITUALS Solitaire Wiccan/Pagan Winter Solstice Ritual by Kate West
The simplest way to celebrate Yule is to rise before dawn to greet the rising Sun. Many diaries and almanacs will give the time of the rising and setting of the Sun, and for that matter, the Moon. If you live near the sea, tide-tables will perform the same function. If it is possible, go out, perferable to a high place, to watch the Sun rise. Alternatively, choose a window facing the direction of Sunrise. Call upon the elements and the Gooddess and God to be with you. As the Sun rises above the horizon, give thanks for the return of the light and warmth that it brings. |