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Yule Log

By Benjamin Hoffman

   The encyclopedia describes the Yule Log as sun worship disguised as a traditional Christmas practice, much the same as the Easter bonfire.[1] The dictionary stated the Yule Log as; “A large log formally used as the foundation for the ceremonial Christmas – Eve fire.[2]

      The Yule Log is believed to have been started by the Vikings, who burned the log in honor of their god Thor. The Druids, from Northern Europe, adapted the ceremony for their own purposes.[3]  The Druids carefully selected a large tree, usually a fruit bearing tree or an oak tree, for the ceremony that gathers when the Druids bless the log.  The log was lit with apiece of last years Yule Log, to symbolize that the log was “ever-burning”.

     The Yule Log had three purposes for the Druids:

1. Promote bountiful crops.

2. Provide light and warmth for the dead.

3. To cleanse with the fire, by burning up all the evil of the past year.[4]

     Over the years the practice has changed some, especially between different countries, but the general idea is that the Yule Log “protected” the family that went to get the tree, because they thought that all who helped get the log would be protected from witchcraft. After the log was dragged into the house, the father or the youngest child would pour wine and pray for health, wealth, and happiness. Everyone would celebrate for they thought the Yule log would protect against evil.[5]

     The ashes of the Yule Log were buried by the roots of fruit trees and placed in the branches, because it was thought to make the tree grow well. The remains of the Yule Log were thought to have the power to heal toothaches, to rid cats of vermin, and to keep water safe for drinking.[6]

     Up until the 20^th century, the burning of the Yule Log was a popular tradition. This changed as, it is safe to assume, great fireplaces were replaced by a cast-iron stoves. The Yule Log was then replaced by a much smaller log which was decorated and used as a center piece at the table. But the tradition of the Yule Log has not died out. “For instance, it is now memorialized as a traditional pastry, covered in chocolate or coffee – flavored icing and decorated with sugared holly leaves and roses.”[7] The ceremony itself still celebrated all over the world. One such example is William and Mary College.  

     Except during World War II, William and Mary College has been celebrating the lighting of the Yule Log since 1930 when Doctor Grace Landrum, the Dean of Women, introduced the Yule Log ceremony to the college. Before World War II, the ceremony was an exact replica of the pagan practice of the past. A young child, usually from faculty family, poured wine over the log and threw in the first piece of holly into the fire. After World War II, the ceremony was resumed in a less elaborate manner. Everyone at the ceremony is given a sprig of holly and they are to touch the sprig of holly against the Yule Log and then throw the holly into the fire. The people are told that doing so will bring good luck, and that when they throw the sprig of holly into the fire, it signifies casting away all troubles of the past year. The reason the college gives for performing this ceremony? Let me quote the college’s last paragraph on their article on the Yule Log.

     “For William and Mary students today, the Yule Log ceremony is a welcome break between final exams, and an opportunity to gather in the holiday spirit with friends, appreciate diverse religious customs, and enjoy the entertainment of the College President, always in finest holiday form.”[8]

     As you can see, “appreciate diverse religious customs” is the excuse William and Mary used to support their Yule Log ceremony. The Yule Log was and still is a very pagan practice. It is a shame that the Yule Log and other practices are considered tradition for Christmas, the holiday that celebrates Christ birth.

Copyright © 2003 by Benjamin Hoffman

Copyright © 2003 by Benjamin Hoffman