The use of evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands
as a symbol of eternal life during Yule time is an ancient
custom. Prior to the birth of Christ, Romans honored Saturn,
their agricultural solar deity, and Mithras, the god of light,
during the winter solstice, by displaying evergreen wreaths
that symbolized the victory of life over winter. In Scandinavia
lands, Northmen burned the Yule log to commemorate the return
of the sun. Germanic tribes hung evergreen boughs (symbol
of life and immortality) in their homes as protection from
the frost giants of winter.
After their conversion to Christianity, tree
worship practices by pagan Europeans survived in the Scandinavian
custom of decorating the house and barn with evergreens each
New Year to frighten evil spirits and set up a tree for birds
during Yule. The custom continued in Germany with the Yule
tree placed at an entrance or inside the house for the midwinter
holidays.
To read the rest of this article, order issue
#22, or subscribe to SIGRDRIFA magazine. Click
here to find out more!
|
