THE YULE LOG g has very deep pagan roots. Celts, Teutons, and Druids burned the massive logs in winter ceremonies in celebration of the sun. The selection of each season's yule log was of the highest importance and surrounded by ceremony as the log was to start the celebration tires and last for the duration of the winter festival. In the Christian era, the log was often cut on February 2 (Candlemas Day), then set outside to dry during the late spring and summer: sometimes it was soaked in spices and decorated with greenery. Often a piece of the previous year's log was used to light the new log. In Scandinavia this sav ed pieee had the additional significance of representing good will from Thor. Scandinavians believed that Thor's lighting bolt would not strike burned wood, and that their houses were safe from lightning as long as they had this vule brand. The Whvs ond Wherefores of Christmas Customs

THE YULE LOG
g has very deep pagan
roots. Celts, Teutons, and Druids burned the massive
logs in winter ceremonies in celebration of the sun.
The selection of each season's yule log was of the
highest importance and surrounded by ceremony as
the log was to start the celebration tires and last for
the duration of the winter festival.
In the Christian era, the log was often cut on
February 2 (Candlemas Day), then set outside to dry
during the late spring and summer: sometimes it
was soaked in spices and decorated with greenery.
Often a piece of the previous year's log was used to
light the new log. In Scandinavia this sav ed pieee
had the additional significance of representing good
will from Thor. Scandinavians believed that Thor's
lighting bolt would not strike burned wood, and that
their houses were safe from lightning as long as they
had this vule brand.
The Whvs ond Wherefores of Christmas Customs