The Festival of Yule

Have you ever wondered how Christmas celebrations came about. I learned one version of it, when I visited the Poinsetta flower display at the Flower Dome at the Gardens by the Bay recently.

"Prior to the arrival of Christianity in the Nordic region, the Vikings and various Germanic peoples celebrated the winter solstice each December when the days were the shortest and the nights the longest. This celebration, known as the Yule festival, is one of the precursors to the morden Christmas holiday, and many of its customs and traditions have been adopted."

For example:
"1. Evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy and mistletoe were used to decorate homes during Yule. They symbolised the promise of spring and the continuation of life.
2. Yule was a time for exchanging gifts which were meant to bring good luck or protection in the coming year.
3. Feasting and merrymaking were common during Yule. Friends and relatives would gather to enjoy food and drink.
4. The Yule log is a central symbol of the festival. It was carefully selected, ceremonially brought into the house, and burnt on a hearth to represent the returning sun and the continuity of life."

So, now you know how Christmas came about. Is this the version you know too?

You can click on the picture for a better view.

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