Winter Solstice/Yule-Traditions and Correspondence

Winter Solstice/Yule    The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.      Yule was the traditional name for the celebrations around the 25th; the festival lasted for twelve days, which are now the twelve days of Christmas. The origin of the word Yule seems originate from the Anglo Saxon word for sun and light.

Christmas In The United States     In 1836, Alabama became the first state to celebrate the holiday legally by official proclamation. By 1863, the White House in Washington D.C. displayed its first official Christmas tree. Eventually, as the country opened its doors to waves of immigrants, Old World traditions were incorporated into communities everywhere across the U.S. in the good will spirit of an American Christmas.

Father Christmas/Santa Claus/Old St. Nick   Based on St. Nicholas who was a Bishop that lived in the fourth century A.D. Known as the patron saint of children, it is told that he was canonized  after resurrecting three boys that  had been murdered.  St. Nicholas had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people in need.

Las Posadas         A Mexican celebration lasting from December 16 to Christmas Eve,  symbolizing  the Biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.  Traditions include a candle-lit procession of children and parents reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey  Wearing costumes representing, Joseph, Mary, Angels, Shepherds and the Three Wise Men.  Traveling from house to house until they reach a designated home to celebrate, with songs, prayers and tradition foods.

Saturnalia   Roman festival of general merrymaking and immoral self-indulgence. This party was held in honor of the God Saturn around the time of the winter solstice. Said to involve sacrifices, gift-giving, special privileges for slaves, as well as feasting.

Yule Log    A traditional ritual preformed at Yuletide, in which a log is burnt the eve of the Winter Solstice to usher in the power of the sun, and marking the sun's victory over darkness The cinders from the burnt log are thought to protect homes.

Correspondences

Crystals/Stones

Carnelian
Bloodstone
Emerald
Garnet
Moonstone

Herbs/Spices

Bayberry
Evergreen
Frankincense
Mistletoe
Pine
Sage

Colors

Green
Gold
Red
Silver
White

The information presented here is not all inclusive.
Remember there is a wealth of information that can be found, at your public library, on the internet, and in the world around you.

References and Suggested Readings

paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulet…
www.chiff.com/home_life/holida…
www.timeanddate.com/calendar/d…

The Wicca Handbook by Eileen Holland
The Giant Book of Magic by Cassandra Eason

Please note:This blog is intended for information purposes only.

Hope you find this informative,
Melinda