Heathen Yule Traditions

Please note: This selection of articles is heavily influenced by my own UPG. Feel free to ignore, change or research to find a better fit for your own path. This is my way of celebrating Yule and so "it's my party and I'll blot if I want to..." applies.

1. Mother Night

On the evening of the winter solstice (or, for some, solstice-eve), Mother Night is celebrated. It is on this night that the Yule period formally begins with the observance of offerings of drink, fame and oaths to our female ancestors. Whether this be known, recently passed ancestors, or simply the unknown collective of our female ancestors throughout history.

Most of this evening is spent feasting and toasting as well as ruminating upon how our female ancestors have been instrumental in our own very existence, as well as blotting for continued protection, fortune and luck.

2. The Yule log

Originally, finding a good sized log to warm the hearth through the coldest nights of winter would have been a key goal for this time of year. Perhaps, a large log would have been prepared and gradually fed (pushed) into the fireplace as it burned to keep the home warm. These days, we have central heating, so such a quest and activity is no longer necessary. However, to symbolise the process and the hope for comfort and frith throughout the festive season, we use a simple log-themed tea light holder. Each time we light this over the festive period, we are reminded how much harder our ancestor's lives were and, hopefully, how much easier our descendents' will be.

3. The Yule Ham

The eating of ham at Yule is an old tradition which is still observed in parts of continental Europe. It is said to represent either Freyr's boar, Gullinbursti or Sæhrímnir, the pig killed and consumed each evening in Valhalla, only to be reborn again next day. It makes a nice change from boring, dry old turkey and is something myself and my family consume on Yule eve. As it was December 24th when I celebrated with my adopted family the year that I lived in Sweden, this has been the source of this tradition for me.

4. Honouring the wights

Don't forget, Yule is celebrated by all across the nine worlds. Spare a thought and perhaps an offering for your wights. Whether those in your home, or around the local area. This is a good time to renew oaths and acquaintances with wights, just as you do with your closer family and friends at this time of year. Just as many people leaving offerings for perhaps the most famous of all housewights, Father Christmas - so do other hidden folk appreciate some thanks and recognition.

5. Preparing food and drink

Baking and preserving foods is a very traditional activity for this time of year, and it can also help to make the feasting even more appetising. If you have the patience for it, perhaps you could even brew some ale or mead to be consumed during the festivities. Even if you don't feel up to brewing yourself, the drinking of mead is another traditional heathen activity (not just at Yule, but all year around).