Christmas - Family In Front Of Fireplace Canvas Print

Anglo-Saxons used the word "yule" to refer to the time of the winter solstice. December was known as "the former yule," while January was "the after yule." In Nordic regions fire was vital for winter survival, not only to provide warmth, but for cooking and lighting the home during the long dark days of winter. In Scandinavian countries, pagan yule festivals were held near the end of each year during the winter solstice. Vikings honored Thor, the god of war, by burning a yule log during the season. After Christianity spread to Europe, these festivals changed from pagan superstitions to celebrations commemorating Christmas. In fact,the word "yule" has come to symbolize the Christmas season. The flame of the yule log represents the light that came from heaven at Christ's birth. Families enjoyed festive ceremonies as the yule log was brought into the house and placed in the fireplace. If possible, the yule log was lit with a fragment of the previous year's log, symbolizing the flame of Go...