The Twelve Days of Yule Part 2 (Patreon)

Here’s another look for what each individual day means for Yule. Stay tuned for another post on ideas you could do for each day! There are a lot of options and possibilities! For many of us, this word is most associated with the Winter Solstice on December 21. Many folks will stay up through the longest night to welcome the return of the Sun. Did you know that in various older European traditions, Yule was (and is!) celebrated for 12 nights? That's right! From December 21 to January 1, many of our ancestors honored this season. We've spent too long celebrating a Christianized and truncated version of winter. In this post, I'm going to share with you some traditions, and some ideas for creating your own "12 Days of Yule".

In Asatru and Norse Heathenry, the 12 Days begins on the evening of December 21st.

December 21: This is known as Mother's Night. It is sacred to Frigg, Freya, and the Desir. Celebrations center around the females of the family, particularly mothers, and the virtue of Industriousness.

December 22: The Wild Hunt- sacred to Odin and Ullr. This night focuses on hearth and home, and staying indoors to avoid the wild hunt. This was the night when Odin would ride and gather up lost souls. This celebrates the virtue of Perseverance.

December 23: The High Feast of Yule, and the beginning of the runic year. Sacred to Thor and Freyr. Burning a Yule log, and jumping the flames for good luck in the new year, rekindling friendships, taking oaths, and setting goals are all done on this night. This celebrates the virtue of Courage.

December 24: The Fourth Night of Yule. Sacred to Aegir, Niord, and Freya. This is the day to remind one's self of the importance of friendship, and strengthen the bonds of kinship. Feasting is a big part of this day, and it celebrates the virtue of Community.

December 25: The Fifth Night of Yule. Sacred to Community. This is the day to celebrate and remember the virtue of Hospitality. It is prevalent in nearly every ancient culture.

December 26: The Sixth Night of Yule. Sacred to Eir and Healing. This is the day to honor the health of yourself and your loved ones. This celebrates the virtue of Discipline. Self-discipline, in particular.

December 27: The Seventh Night of Yule. Sacred to Thor. This is the day to remember our impact on our community. Sif is also honored on this day, as both Thor and Sif are protectors of children. This celebrates the virtue of Fidelity.

December 28: The Eighth Night of Yule: Sacred to Scathi and Ullr. This is the day to honor the hunters, and the virtue of Truth.

December 29: The Ninth Night of Yule: Sacred to Odin. Celebrates the virtue of Honor.

December 30: The Tenth Night of Yule: Sacred to Sunna and ancestors. Celebrates Justice. Offerings to Slepnir (Hay) and Alfar (apples) are done on this night.

December 31: The Eleventh Night of Yule: Sacred to the Valkyries. On this day, the virtue of Self-reliance is honored.

January 1: The Twelfth Night of Yule: Sacred to all the Gods and Goddesses. This is the culmination of the 12 nights, and is spent feasting (pork is the main dish), swearing oaths on Thor's hammer, acknowledging the passing year, and and the new one. Oaths and words spoken are said to carry heavy weight on this night. Time to make goals. Wisdom is celebrated.

Source:

http://www.wildlywitch.com/2019/12/thursdays-child-twelve-days-of-yule.html?m=1