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Yule

The Winter Solstice is a solar holiday that occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the sun, creating the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice is celebrated across many pagan traditions, honoring the sun and the halfway point of winter. 

Yule was originally celebrated by the Norse and Scandinavian peoples. Depending upon the source, Yule was celebrated as a two month celebration beginning mid-November, a 12 day celebration starting on the Solstice, or a three day feast beginning on the eve of the Winter Solstice. Today, many Pagans still celebrate Yule on the day of the Winter Solstice. Pagans celebrate the rebirth of the sun through gift exchanges, merriment, and deep spiritual reflection. For Pagans, this is a time of new beginnings, rebirth, transformation, getting rid of unwanted habits, and creativity. The symbols of Yule are evergreens, the Yule Log, a Yule tree, mistletoe, holly, wreaths, and bells. The colors of Yule are white, green, red, gold, and silver.