The centuries-old tradition comes with a few surprises.
Christmas is a time of the year to celebrate family andholiday traditions.
The season has plenty, from putting out cookies for Santa to hanging the stockings on the mantel.
Credit: Kirn Vintage Stock / Contributor
Here is the history behind the Yule log and why it remains a tradition today.
Where Did The Yule Log Tradition Come From?
For centuries, celebrants observed Yule, a festival commemorating the winter solstice.
To celebrate the reappearance of the sun, the Yule log was burned.
Why Are Yule Logs Associated With Christmas?
What Was The Original Yule Log Tradition?
The use of the term “log” is a bit of an understatement.
What Were The Customs Of The Yule Log?
Many customs and superstitions surround the Yule log tradition.
What Is The Yule Log Tradition Today?
Anothercontemporary variation of this traditionis a centerpiece.
For this representation, greenery and candles decorate a birch log or similar wood.
What Is A Buche De Noel?
Besides chocolate, you might make other variations likeWhite Christmas Buche de Noelor a similarPumpkin Roll.
The difference between the two desserts is the decorations.
A Yule log is covered with a thick frosting that is decorated to resemble tree bark.
Swiss rolls can be plain or have minimal decorations, such as a simple icing.
Yes, many do.
Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice to celebrate the beginning of the return of light and warmth.
Colonial Williamsburg.The Yule Log Ceremony.
