Welcome Winter, and Happy Yule

[Father Bill]

Well, Tuesday 21st is the Winter Solstice, and in the northern hemisphere, it's the first day of winter - summer south of the equator.

For our Pagan members, Happy 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. Because of this many ancient people had a great reverence for, and even worshipped the sun. The Norsemen of Northern Europe saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the word for this wheel, houl, that the word yule is thought to have come. At mid-winter the Norsemen lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale.

The ancient Romans also held a festival to celebrate the rebirth of the year. Saturnalia ran for seven days from the 17th of December. It was a time when the ordinary rules were turned upside down. Men dressed as women and masters dressed as servants. The festival also involved decorating houses with greenery, lighting candles, holding processions and giving presents.

The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year (21st December) and was celebrated in Britain long before the arrival of Christianity. The Druids (Celtic priests) would cut the mistletoe that grew on trees and give it as a blessing. The winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months.

It was also the Druids who began the tradition of the yule log. The Celts thought that the sun stood still for twelve days in the middle of winter and during this time a log was lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year.

Many of these customs are still followed today. They have been incorporated into the Christian and secular celebrations of Christmas.

So, until I wish you a Merry Christmas in a few days... Happy Yule!

[Hauge]

I ønskes alle en rigtig glædelig Jul, og et lykkebringende NytÅr!

Danish for:

Wish you all a really happy Jul, and a joy-bearing New Year!

In Denmark, this sentence is used by Christian, as well as Pagan and none believers alike.

And is my greeting, and wish, for you all!
Slainté Mhath!
Tonni

[Deirachel]

I hope the divine blesses you well, friends.

[Hauge]

By the way.

The history about Jul, go back some 3400 Years, here in Denmark.
This as a part of the charriot travelling the sky, carrying the sun throughout the day...

Just have a look at this site, from the danish national museum:
https://en.natmus.dk/historical-know...e-sun-chariot/

[Ninehostages]

Well, Tuesday 21st is the Winter Solstice, and in the northern hemisphere, it's the first day of winter - summer south of the equator.

For our Pagan members, Happy 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. Because of this many ancient people had a great reverence for, and even worshipped the sun. The Norsemen of Northern Europe saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the word for this wheel, houl, that the word yule is thought to have come. At mid-winter the Norsemen lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale.

The ancient Romans also held a festival to celebrate the rebirth of the year. Saturnalia ran for seven days from the 17th of December. It was a time when the ordinary rules were turned upside down. Men dressed as women and masters dressed as servants. The festival also involved decorating houses with greenery, lighting candles, holding processions and giving presents.

The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year (21st December) and was celebrated in Britain long before the arrival of Christianity. The Druids (Celtic priests) would cut the mistletoe that grew on trees and give it as a blessing. The winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months.

It was also the Druids who began the tradition of the yule log. The Celts thought that the sun stood still for twelve days in the middle of winter and during this time a log was lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year.

Many of these customs are still followed today. They have been incorporated into the Christian and secular celebrations of Christmas.

So, until I wish you a Merry Christmas in a few days... Happy Yule!

I took a picture of the sun directly over our local lighthouse exactly at the monument of the solstice Tuesday morning (15:59 Zulu).
Clear blue sky, calm water, stunning image ... my ancient ancestors whispering in my ear about the buds and baby birds to come.

[DunRovinStation]

God Jul!

It was warm and lovely here, good food and company.