Yule Log The Yule log came from Scandinavian mythology. The winter months were long and hard, so a huge tree was found, cut down, hauled into the house, and lit afire in honor of Thor, the Viking god of war. It was believed that Thor would bless them with prosperity during the following year in reward for this ceremony held during Yule, which is the Anglo-Saxon word for the months of December and January. The Anglo-Saxons called December “the former Yule†and January “the after Yule.†When most of the Scandinavians converted to Christianity, the burning of the Yule log became a part of the Christmas celebration, and the word Yule became synonymous with Christmas. The burning of the Yule log is still practiced today, though it is more prominent in European celebrations and has lost its Scandinavian meaning except with the handful of neopagans who seek to revive the old ways.
(from mrrena.com

Mistletoe Mistletoe was sacred to the ancient druids and a symbol of eternal life the same way as the Christmas tree. The Romans valued it as a symbol of peace and this lead eventually to its acceptance among Christmas props. Kissing under the mistletoe was a Roman custom, too.

More interesting links:
snopes.com/holidays/christmas/yulelog.asp
culture.gouv.fr/culture/noel/angl/buche.htm
noelnoelnoel.com/trad/yulelog.html



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The 3 stages of man: He believes in Santa Claus. He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
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