Yule

December 22

Yule is a time to remember the bounty of the Goddess as well as the God by honoring each moon that rose thru out the passing year. It's also a time to show appreciation for love, support, companionship and friendship to those who share our daily lives. Pagan Ways - Gwydion O'Hara

Symbolism

Renewal and rebirth during Winter

Time of death and rebirth of the Sun God

The Goddess gives birth to a son, the God

Symbols

Colors are green and red / the Wheel Of the Year Symbol / evergreens / Yule Log / Yule trees

Foods

Nuts / Fruits / Nut cakes soaked in cider / Pork / Wassil / Ginger tea

Ritual Actions

Candles on or near the altar(to welcome the Sun God)

Fires lit

Candles carried around the circle

Yule log

Yule tree

Rituals

Traditional Yule Log:: Use a piece of oak or pine. Carve or chalk a figure of the Sun or the God(a horned circle or a figure of a man) upon it, with a white handled knife. Set it alight in the fire(fireplace) at dusk on Yule. I have read that some suggest to hide a piece of the burnt Yule log in your home to use as a powerful amulet for protection. Note:: Never put out a sacred fire.

Yule Log:: This log is traditionally oak, but white birch is fine. Cut the log in half and drill or carve 2 to 3 holes in the top(uncut side)for taper candles to be placed. Decorate the base of the candles with greery (real or artifical). Burn bayberry candles to insure growth and prosperity for the coming year.

Yule tree:: Decorate with strings of dired rose buds, cinnamon sticks, popcorn, candy, bags of fragrant spices, quartz crystals, apples, oranges, or lemons. Evergreen trees are chosen as a symbol of the God, also as a reminder that life is ever constant and ever renewed.

Refrence:
Personal Experience
Pagan Ways by Gwydion O'Hara
Celtic Magic by DJ Conway
Wicca:Guide For Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham