December 24

On the Eve of Christmas We Share With You a Yule Log

Courtesy of Gonzaga University

The Burning of the Yule Log

Pope Julius I (337-352 A.D.) incorporated the tradition of the yule which came from Scandinavia celebrating the Winter Solstice, to celebrate Christmas.The Yule log traditional fire came to represent the light of the Savior instead of the light of the Sun. On or about Christmas eve, a big log was brought into a home or large hall. Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it. The log was never allowed to burn completely, a bit was kept in the house to start next years log.