Christmas Eve and the Yule Log Tradition

In some countries there are many celebrations on the day before Christmas.  The Yule log is one such tradition where the master of the house will cut a large log and light it with much ceremony on Christmas Eve.  This has been practiced since the 12 th Century and has more to do with pagan rituals than Christianity.

Yule logs were burnt throughout Europe .  The tradition has died out somewhat as technology has developed  - many homes no longer have the huge hearth required for the festivities and the log has been replaced by a ceremonial center-piece for the table.

The Yule log custom lives on in many Britons homes with the creation of a chocolate Yule log cake (not that there is a need for more food at this time of year).  These vary from the elaborate with special edible leaves to the simple such as covering a Swiss-roll with chocolate icing.

Other symbols used at Christmas

Decorations of holly and kissing under the mistletoe have become traditional Christmas rituals. However the custom goes back centuries when druids used evergreen plants during the winter solstice.  Branches of holly and mistletoe were placed above doorways to ward off evil spirits (similar to the jack-o-lantern) and represents eternal life.