Winter Solstice | Paganism

The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. The Winter Solstice falls on the longest night of the year (21st December in the Northern Hemisphere and around 21st June in the Southern Hemisphere) and believed to have been celebrated in Britain long before the arrival of Christianity. It is said that the Druids (Celtic priests) would cut the rare mistletoe that grew on the oak tree and give it as a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months.

The tradition of the Yule log, which many of us keep to this day, is based on a Pagan Scandinavian winter feast where ‘Jul’ logs were burned to symbolise the heat and life-giving properties of the returning sun. It was believed that the Yule log had the magical effect of helping the sun to shine more brightly. So whether you are kissing under the mistletoe, burning a Yule log or just eating a chocolate one this festive period, you can honour the turning of the Wheel of the Year in your own Winter Solstice ceremony.

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