Magic yule logs, also known as Yule logs or Christmas logs, are a traditional part of the festive season in many cultures. They are usually made from a large piece of wood, often from a fruit tree such as cherry or apple, and decorated with festive symbols and motifs. The origins of the yule log can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions. In pagan Europe, the winter solstice was a time of celebration and the yule log was seen as a symbol of warmth, light, and good fortune. It was believed that burning the log would ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. Over time, the yule log became incorporated into Christian traditions.
As Merriam-Webster.com defines it, “pagan” in our context means “of, relating to, or having the characteristics of pagans”—which, we are told, are “follower[s] of a polytheistic religion (as in ancient Rome).” Essentially, paganism represents those religions and cultic practices whose origins are outside of the three religions traditionally associated with the patriarch Abraham, which are Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
Winnail discussed in detail in his Tomorrow s World magazine article The Rise of Modern Paganism November December 2019 ; you can read it online at TomorrowsWorld. Many assume that while various activities, celebrations, traditions, and symbols originated in paganism, they have, in a sense, been baptized by Christianity.
Over time, the yule log became incorporated into Christian traditions. In medieval Europe, it was common to bring a large log into the house on Christmas Eve and light it with a part of the previous year's log. The log would burn throughout the twelve days of Christmas, symbolizing the light of the world and the coming of Christ.
What Are the Pagan Holidays?
Because “Paganism” is an umbrella term for a wide variety of new religious movements, it is difficult to describe holidays or festivals that each share. Some may build on ancient religious traditions in contemporary ways, and these may use celebrations described in earlier cultures—Celtic, Norse, Greek, or German, among others. Others may identify as Wiccan, recreating a culture of witchcraft based on lore from diverse historical backgrounds. Still, others may fashion their own religious beliefs and expressions based on their personal understanding of the supernatural. Paganism has no uniform doctrine, creeds, dogmas, rituals, or practices. Personal freedom is an imperative of every Pagan expression. Despite the diversity, most Pagans today recognize some form of what is called the “Wheel of the Year,” which is the cycle of holidays that move through the solar and seasonal changes of the earth. For them, each year’s circuit retells the sacred narrative around the divine, in whatever way that is recognized. The waxing and waning of the Sun’s course through the year—and the subsequent light, growth, life, and warmth that come and go—provide the scaffolding for the festivals which make up the Wheel of the Year. The “Wheel” includes the eight major festivals observed by most Pagans. Wiccans call these festivals “Sabbats.” The eight festivals include four that are derived from ancient Celtic or western European traditions and four from transitional times in the seasons of the year. The four seasonal festivals include the two equinoxes (Spring and Fall) and two solstices (Summer and Winter). Among other things, these holidays recognize the shift in time and light and, thus, are considered solar-based holidays. The two equinoxes are points of stability, of equality between darkness and light; the two solstices are times of transition, of shifts from light to growing darkness or darkness to growing light.
The cycle of holidays alternates between one festival dedicated to solar-based events or seasonal holidays, and one festival dedicated to earth-centered events, represented by those festivals that draw on ancient traditions. Each of these is an opportunity to worship gods and goddesses, welcome the changes of nature, draw on spiritual powers, and practice healing magic. Many Pagans gather during these times of the year to practice these rituals communally. These major festivals are opportunities for Pagans to recognize the essential unity between the spiritual and the physical, between the earth with its seasonal transitions and the supernatural. Many Pagans measure the festivals from sunset to sunset, and most of the rituals and their associated magic (or magick) are conducted at night. The Wheel of the Year begins on 1 November, so the first festival of the year is the Winter Solstice, or Yule (on or around December 21st). In Wiccan circles, the other festivals in calendrical order include Imbolc (early February), Ostara (the Spring Equinox), Beltane (early May), Midsummer (the Summer Solstice), Lammas (early August), Mabon (the Fall Equinox), and Samhain (Halloween). Old Norse paganism, or Ásatrú, is sometimes called “heathenism,” and has its own calendar with eight major holidays. Though its calendar overlaps with the Wiccan festivals in places, Heathens may have some different names for their festivals and traditions of celebration.. Read more about Pagan’s diverse beliefs here. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
3/7/2023 10:48:32 PM About About Kathleen Mulhern, PH.D.
Kathleen Mulhern is a writer, editor, historian, speaker, and professor. She teaches courses in world history, European history, and history of Christianity. She has taught at Colorado School of Mines and Regis University, and is currently an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary in the areas of Church History and Spiritual Formation. Kathleen graduated with a B.A. from Wheaton College, earned an M.A. in French Literature from the University of Denver, an M.A. degree in Church History from Denver Seminary, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Colorado.
To hold on to the tradition of observing Christmas—the tree, the gifts, even the date itself—one must reject the commandment of God, who says plainly that He does not want to be worshiped using heathen customs. Keeping Christmas requires us to lay aside God’s desires and explicit commands—and Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the very founder of Christianity, condemns this in no uncertain terms.
Today, the tradition of the yule log is still observed in many parts of the world. In some countries, such as France and Belgium, it is common to have a large, decorative log as the centerpiece of the Christmas festivities. The log is often decorated with candles, ribbons, and greenery, and is burned on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. In addition to its decorative and symbolic value, the yule log also has practical uses. In many cultures, it is believed that the ashes of the yule log have magical properties and can be used for various purposes. For example, the ashes may be scattered in fields to ensure a bountiful harvest, or used as a protective charm for the home. Overall, the yule log is a cherished tradition that brings warmth, light, and joy to the holiday season. Whether it is used as a decorative centerpiece, a source of heat and light, or a magical charm, the yule log continues to be a meaningful symbol of the festive season in many cultures around the world..
Reviews for "Mabic Yule Log Altar Set-Up and Decoration Ideas"
1. John - 1/5
The Mabic yule logs were a huge disappointment. The packaging boasted about their magical flavors, but they tasted like burnt wood and desperation. I couldn't even finish one bite without feeling like I was eating a mouthful of sawdust. Save your money and stick to traditional yule log desserts that actually taste good.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for the Mabic yule logs, but they fell flat. The presentation was impressive, but the taste left much to be desired. The flavors were underwhelming and didn't live up to the magical claims. I won't be purchasing these again and would recommend others to steer clear unless they enjoy bland, uninspiring desserts.
3. Mark - 1/5
I don't understand what all the hype is about. The Mabic yule logs were beyond disappointing. The flavors were nonexistent, and the texture was dry and crumbly. I was expecting a magical experience, but all I got was a mouthful of disappointment. Don't waste your time or money on these mediocre treats.
4. Rebecca - 2/5
I had high expectations for the Mabic yule logs, but unfortunately, they didn't live up to the hype. The flavors were strange and not enjoyable. The texture was also off-putting, and I found it difficult to finish even a small piece. Overall, I was unimpressed and won't be repurchasing these yule logs in the future.