Winter solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere today, the 21st December. This day we have the shortest day and longest night of the whole year. From tomorrow on, the day will again gain length.
Yet, as the spring is on its way, we’re preparing the other Midwinter fest – Yule. Yuletide has a long tradition in the Northern Europe dating back to Viking times. Vikings celebrated the god Odin (who is described as having a long beard) as the Yule father. The celebrations included drinking toasts and making sacrifices for Odin, Njöror and Freyr, for good harvest and for peace. The sacrifices included e.g. pigs, which has carried on to this day in the form of Yule ham.
Yuletide has also been known as the time of the Wild Hunt, which is led by Odin (also called Jolnir). It is a time of increased supernatural activity and an increased activity of draugar – undead beings walking the earth.
Many of the common Christmas traditions of today have their roots in the old pagan ways. Santa Claus, reindeer, wreaths, mistletoe and lights all date from prehistoric times. Our time is but a layer on history’s build up.
Have a Magickal Winter Solstice and Yuletide!
Susan