Musings From the Mossy Trail

Making a Yule Log

It is Christmas in the mansion,
Yule-log fires and silken frocks;
It is Christmas in the cottage,
Mothers filling little socks.
—Anonymous

The ritual of Yule originated In ancient Scandinavia as a celebration to welcome the return of the sun, the change in season and to honor the death, growth, and fertility aspects of nature. Beginning on the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, and lasting for 12 days, this was a time for feasting, dancing and merriment as well as time with family and friends. All hunting and fishing ceased for the 12 day duration in an effort to let nature rest as the sun was revived.

One very important symbol used in this ritual was the Yule log. It is said that fathers and sons would venture into the woodlands and return with the largest logs they could find, either made of Oak ( in honor of Thor) or Ash (The wood of Yggdrasil) and set them on fire with great ceremony. Once ablaze, festivites were in full order.

Though our modern times have changed in both custom and neccesity, we can still join in the sacred beauty of the Yule log. You can burn your log in a fireplace or outdoor pit, or place candles on your log and burn the candles. Your Yule log can also be used as a decoration or you can give it as a gift. Your options are endless. Yule logs are easy to make and can include the entire family. Remember, this project is unique to you and your family. What I am going to list is only suggestion. Have fun!

You will need:

ñ  A log – This can be an actual log, preferably with a fairly flat side or several pieces of wood bundled together with wire, string or raffia

ñ  Greenery and decorations – Go into your yard and gather pine needles, holly, cedar, berries, anything that says Yuletide for you; or visit a craft store for silk greenery and foliage. What you choose to use is entirly up to you

ñ  Ribbon in preferred colors

ñ  Candles are optional – Choose as many as you wish or none at all. I like candles on mine as I do a “symbolic” burning of the yule log each day during the 12 days and in addition choose colors depending on the energy flow I wish to create. Here are some suggestions –

ñ  red –  life force

green – the earth, natural forces

silver – the goddess

gold – the god

white – peace

yellow – the sun

ñ  Small amount of flour

Lay out your log. If you are going to use candles and you wish to drill holes into your log, do so now. I prefer to use small flat candle holders. Tie a few pieces of string or raffia around your log, even if you only used one log rather than the bundle. Take your greenery and other decorations and blend them in, using the raffia or string to hold them in place. When complete, use ribbon to cover any visible string or raffia and create a lovely bow. Add candles if desired and dust with flour to achieve the look of snow.

May your Yuletide be merry and bright.