Tales from a Plant Addict

What in the world makes a log a 'Yule log'? I can remember campfires where we joked about great big logs being 'the Yule log' and you hear about it during the holidays, but what is it? I've also seen log-shaped cakes called Yule logs, confusing the topic even more.

The Yule log has its origins in pagan rituals in Europe surrounding the Winter Solstice. In ancient times, winter was truly a scary time. It was dark and cold, and sickness often took many lives. Rituals surrounding the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, usually incorporated light and the promise of Spring and new life. The Yule log is no exception.

The Yule log tradition varied in different regions of Europe, but all in some way linked the Yule log to health, fruitfulness and productivity of the home. It was part of the larger celebration of Yule, a pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice.

Yule begins the night before the Winter Solstice, and continues for thirteen nights, concluding on about January 6^th, which Christians now refer to as 'twelfth night'. Pagans believed the spirit world became very close to our world on the night of the Winter Solstice and through the celebration of Yule. Lights and feasting were part of the merriment.

A ritual that became part of the Yule celebration was the burning of the Yule log, which was traditionally oak. The ancient pagan traditions linked this to their veneration of trees, and sacrifices to honor the gods. Ideally, a log was chosen that was large enough to burn for the entire Yule celebration. Legends say a Yule log may not be purchased, it must be found on your property, or your neighbor's.

The lighting of the Yule log symbolized the coming of more sunlight after the Solstice, and the firelight was believed to scare away evil or mischievous spirits that may roam the earth during Yule. Ashes and fragments of the Yule log that remain in the home through the year are thought to bring luck and protection. Some traditions require a fragment of the previous year's Yule log be used to light the current year's log. Other variations on the Yule log tradition attach decorations and good wishes for luck in the New Year to the log.

More modern versions of the Yule log are typically decorated with greenery and other holiday decorations and adorned with candles, so the log is not actually burned.

The French came up with a far more delicious version of the Yule log sometime in the late 1700's or early 1800's, when pastry chefs created a cake version of the Yule log. They called it 'Bûche de Noël' and it became a wildly popular Christmas dessert. Many bakeries offer this tasty cake at holiday time.

Some communities have revived the true Yule log tradition. The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois has a traditional 'Hunt for the Yule Log' each January. While it doesn't coincide with the traditional Yule celebration on the calendar, the modern revival does try to reflect the ancient traditions. Participants hunt for the Yule log on the Arboretum grounds, and after it's found the celebration begins, with caroling, food and drink, and of course, a bonfire containing the Yule log. The hunt is on January 6, 2008. For more information check out www.mortonarb.org.

The ancient pagans may have had some wild beliefs about spirits and sacrifices to the gods, but ultimately their wish was not any different from any modern person. They simply wanted protection and luck in the New Year. I can't think of anyone that wouldn't want that today. Their feasts and lights brightened dark winter days and reminded them that Spring would come. We do the same thing today, lighting our houses and celebrating with family and friends during holiday time.

I don't have room to burn a Yule log, but I'll be lighting some candles and hoping for a peaceful New Year this holiday season. I hope peace finds all of you this holiday season as well.