Early this morning, at 01:08AM EST, marked Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, the return of the sun (Sunna) and warmth, and the official beginning of winter.
Winter Solstice is an important event in the 12 Days of Yule, which is a time of family, remembrance, feasting, and celebrations. Yule is celebrated in most countries even today in various forms---the gifting, Santa Clause, sleighs and reindeer, decorated trees, greenery, wreaths, candles, holly berries, mistletoe, new year's resolutions---all these traditions derive from Yule, and these elements can be found in modern holiday and religious celebrations during this time of the year. Even some churches today are realizing the true origins of these December celebrations:Demarest goes on to explain the intricacies of the Norse Yule tradition. "For the ancient Norse people, winter was a very difficult time,the growing season had ended and the shortened days meant that the life-giving sun was disappearing, leaving them in darkness and extreme cold. The winter solstice marked their triumph over darkness and the return of the warmth and a new year. The Yule season is twelve days long, beginning the night before the winter solstice. The most important aspect of those twelve days is that our world and the world of the Gods and Goddesses are together, and it is a blessing to be close to them and have a connection -- it is at this time that we look back over the old year and make oaths for the new year."
Here is a link to an article in the Washington Post about the National Yule Log in the U.S. (which burns continuously from Dec 7 to Jan 2).
So whatever form of celebration you have this time of year, have safe travels, good food, warmth, and fellowship with family and friends this Yule!
