I know the premise of the holiday, but would like to hear details about how Yule is actually celebrated--rituals, traditions, etc. How do I as a non-pagan give a holiday greeting to someone celebrating Yule or otherwise acknowledge their holiday? For example, if I am invited into their home during Yule, should I have a certain greeting or bring something or what? Thank you for all real answers.
2007-12-11 01:24:23 · 6 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Among the Norse Yule is the most holy time for us. Not only is it the celebration of midwinter and the return of the light but it is also the time when the Wild Hunt, a period of time when Odin leads His warriors and Valkryries on a mission to gather more souls for His armies, starts to wind down. It's a time to honor our ancestors and other dead as well as the land spirits.
The celebrations last 12 nights, beginning on Dec 21 and ending Jan 1. The first night is Mother Night and is the time to honor the Goddesses and all female ancestors. The rest of the time is used to make offerings and sacrifices to the spirits of the land and the Gods, especially Odin.
"Blessed Yule" usually does well to wish someone a good holiday. You don't have to bring anything unless of course you want to. We do exchange gifts so just anything you might give someone for Christmas is fine.
2007-12-11 01:36:48 · answer #1 · answered by Abriel 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We're not offended by "Happy Holidays" though it would be thoughtful if you could actually find a Yule card or say "Joyous Yule." As for gifts, anything seasonal would be appropriate. Food would be especially so.
As for the rituals, well, it depends on the tradition. Common themes will be the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King (Celtic), the rebirth of the sun, a festival of lights, personal growth, etc.
2007-12-11 09:34:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can say " Happy Yule time." They won't expect more than that.If you feel that you'd like to bring a gift by all means please do. Something you baked or cheerful flowers or plant would be nice. They will talk to you about the tradition customs of Yule . It will start on December 21 and run for 12 days.It is a fun time...so you will enjoy yourself !
2007-12-11 09:55:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Say "Merry Christmas." If they ask you to bring something but aren't specific about what, bring whatever you'd normally bring to a holiday party.
If they want to educate you about Yule, then they'll have a good, respectful way of doing it.
2007-12-11 09:28:00 · answer #4 · answered by Acorn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm a little confused. the term yule, has to do with christmas. if you're a non "pagen" why is this a problem?
2007-12-11 09:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He was the star of 'The King and I'.
2007-12-11 09:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by officer uggh 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋