Question: Why Is Yule 12 Days?

What solstice means?

Solstice, either of the two moments in the year when the Sun’s apparent path is farthest north or south from Earth’s Equator.

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The term solstice also is used in reference to either of the two points of greatest deviation of the ecliptic (the Sun’s apparent annual path) from the celestial equator..

Why do Pagans celebrate winter solstice?

In most forms of Wicca, this holiday is celebrated at the winter solstice as the rebirth of the Great horned hunter god, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. The method of gathering for this sabbat varies by practitioner. Some have private ceremonies at home, while others do so with their covens.

What are the traditions of Yule?

Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions.Build a Yule Altar. … Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath. … Burn a Yule Log. … Decorate a Yule Tree. … Exchange Nature-Based Gifts. … Give Back to Nature. … Celebrate in Candlelight. … Set up a Meditation Space.

Is Yule Pagan?

Yule is the Pagan and Wiccan celebration of the winter solstice that is celebrated every December. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, and it heralds the daylight hours growing longer again.

Is Santa a pagan god?

The modern Santa Claus is a direct descendent of England’s Father Christmas, who was not originally a gift-giver. However, Father Christmas and his other European variations are modern incarnations of old pagan ideas about spirits who traveled the sky in midwinter, Hutton said.

Who celebrates the solstice?

The winter solstice is considered a turning point in the year in many cultures. The sacred day is also called Yule to pagans celebrating the birth of the new solar year, according to Circle Sanctuary, a prominent pagan group in America.

What are the pagan holidays?

FestivalsWinter Solstice (Yule)Imbolc (Candlemas)Spring Equinox (Ostara)Beltane (May Eve)Summer Solstice (Litha)Lughnasadh (Lammas)Autumn Equinox (Mabon)Samhain (Hallowe’en)More items…

What does the yule tree represent?

After the celebration, pieces of the Yule log would be saved to start the fire of next winter’s solstice Yule log. In some European traditions, oak was the preferred species for the Yule log, as it represented the waxing sun, symbolized endurance, strength, protection, and good luck to people in the coming year.

What do you eat on winter solstice?

27 Winter Solstice RecipesBeef Pot Pie with Guinness1/27. Essentially Irish stew with some lovely store-bought puff pastry plopped on top. … Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic2/27. … Roasted Bone Marrow3/27. … Macaroni Au Gratin4/27. … Riz au Lait ~ French Rice Pudding5/27. … Scalloped Potatoes6/27. … Slow Roasted Lamb7/27. … Pecan Pie Bread Pudding8/27.More items…

How many days are in Yule?

12 daysThere are many traditions and practices that are traditional to the month of Yule the most well known is of course the 12 days of Yule.

Why are there 12 days of Christmas?

Christians believe that the 12 days of Christmas mark the amount of time it took after the birth of Jesus for the magi, or wise men, to travel to Bethlehem for the Epiphany when they recognized him as the son of God. … Today, how the 12 days are celebrated by Christians around the world varies.

What religion is Yule?

The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives.