Yule Log Lore

The holiday season is full of traditions old and new, some are made up like Festivus, and it's just around the corner (12-23). Recently I heard a description of the 'Yule Log' and found it curiously interesting and thought others may want to know more too. Since it involves a log from a tree that makes it totally garden relevant. 

Photo from postofficeshop.co.uk

You may be thinking of the culinary yule log or Buche de Noel, the traditional French dessert that actually mimics the look and symbolism of the yule log. If so, check out The Denver Post's delicious recipe which was recently posted online. 

My Dad's sister, Aunt Betty used to make and hand deliver to our family her version of a Norwegian yule pastry. It was more like a large circular braided cinnamon roll called julekake, a wonderful sweet treat on Christmas morning.

Yule or Yuletide originally was a winter solstice pagan celebration started way back when. That's roughly the medieval time or middle ages period from the fifth to fifteenth century or more familiarly known as the the fall of the Roman empire to the Renaissance. In those times, lives for Europeans were truly dark, bleak and fearful with sickness and cold weather. Gortex and Bic lighters hadn't been invented. They hoped for better health, sun, and longer days. Too bad they couldn't move to Florida. 

What better way to bring light into the world or your dark home then by burning a log? If you're thinking they should have been burning logs well before the solstice, then I'm with you.

The ritual of burning a log (oak was first choice) for the whole Yule season (twelve days starting with the December 21 solstice) symbolized longer days and getting away from that whole dark and evil vibe. The rule was the oak log should come from your own property, second would be a neighbor's yard, never purchased from the 7-Eleven. And if ashes were kept from last year's log and added to this year's burning log, then chances for better luck, health and no burned down house in the New Year were much greater.

Internet Photo from People

As they often do, traditions remain, some get tweaked and some are celebrated differently by different people and cultures. Today, the Yule Log still represents light in the world during the month of December - for many that's faith in the Lord or outdoing Clark Griswold's holiday lights. 

A quick online search netted many Yule Log references. There's a band called The Yule Logs. YouTube has a Classic Yule Log Fireplace with Crackling Fire Sounds. My nephew Kyle wrote and starred in his successful play Une Buche de Noel last December at Dixon Place in New York City.

Photo from incredibleegg.org

A garden related Yule Log Hunt took place at the Morton Arboretum but was discontinued a few years ago. Thank goodness there's one closer to home in Steamboat, read more here.

Enjoy your Yule Log this month for dessert or to bring light to shoo away the darkness and chill.