THE YULE LOG

 

The Yule log custom existed in most Europeans countries and dates back as far as the 12^th century.

The custom happened on Christmas Eve when an enormous log of freshly cut wood predictably called the Yule log would be carried to the house amidst great ceremony.

It would be placed on the hearth On Christmas Eve, by the master of the house would make a traditional libation by sprinkling the trunk with a combination of oil, salt and mulled wine and say an appropriate prayer.

If possible, the young girls of the household would light the log with splinters from the previous year’s log which would have been kept safely stored away. If no young girls were available, the honor and privilege fell to the mother of the house.

Superstition says that the cinders of the burnt log should be kept to protect the house from a variety of mishaps including lightning strikes and even protect against the malevolent attentions of the devil.

The tradition had all but died out by the end of the 19^th century mainly due to changes in the way houses were heated the magnificent hearths of the great house began to be replaced by boilers of stoves and then in the 20^th century houses began to be built with no fireplace at all.

The great Yule log has now been replaced by a small log decorated with candles, holly and other Christmas embellishments to be placed in the center of the Christmas table as a festive decoration.

Also, today we have the marvelous Yule log cake which is a firm favorite it our house made from a delicious Swiss roll cake covered in chocolate icing and sugared decorations.