HOW THE VIKINGS CELEBRATED VIKING YULE & CHRISTMAS

 What is Viking Christmas Called?

Viking Christmas, commonly known as Yule, comes from an old Norse word Jol which was always connected to God Odin’s attributes. For example, Prose Edda provides us with the title jólfaðr, meaning Yule father, and having known that Yule was Odin’s holiday, it is obvious where its name originates. Most modern linguists and historians now agree that the French word ‘Joli’ and the English word ‘Jolly’ probably derived from the old Norse word Jol.

Is Yule Norse?

Celebrating the Winter solstice has been connected to many different cultures at different moments in history. As there is almost no chance that some of these cultures could come in touch with one another, we can probably say that celebrating this holiday is an archetypical and innate human need.

The ancient Greeks had a Kronia celebration, a festival dedicated to the titan Cronus, during which everyone would sing, dance, and feast. Similarly, the ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a celebration dedicated to the god Saturn that was usually held in the second half of December. All the traditions connected to these two ancient holidays are not much different than the ones that revolved around the germanic celebration of Yule.

Because of all this, the true answer to the question: ‘Is Yule Norse?’ is somewhere in between. Yule was indeed a Norse holiday when Vikings welcomed the return of the Sun and showed gratefulness to their Gods, but its origin probably wasn’t in Scandinavia.

 

What Religion is Yule?

Although Yule is still celebrated today in Heathenry and other neo-pagan religions, it is fair to say that its existence is mostly connected to the old Viking faith. Most historians go even further and say that the figure of an old grey man who delivers gifts worldwide, commonly known as Santa Claus has little to do with Christianity and was the product of Norse religion. One of the Viking traditions that occurred during Yule, called Old Man Winter, was probably where this legend was born.

In every Viking settlement, several older men visited different households in their neighborhood during Yule. This older man most likely represented god Odin, and it was a great honor for every Viking to invite him in and feast with him.

GET ITEMS RELATED TO YULE

1. Viking Gnome Boy and Girl Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift

get order here: Viking Gnome Boy and Girl Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift 

 Gnomes are known as symbols of good luck. Originally, gnomes were thought to provide protection, especially of buried treasure and minerals in the ground. They are still used today to watch over crops and livestock, often tucked into the rafters of a barn or placed in the garden.

2. Viking Gnome and Reindeer Christmas Stocking - Viking Christmas Gift  

get order here:Viking Gnome and Reindeer Christmas Stocking - Viking Christmas Gift 

The gnome is a wee, bearded fellow who is hard to miss. He's so small compared to the other creatures in the forest that he has learned how to blend into the background and go unseen. They are clever enough not to be spotted by being careful about where they walk, what they wear and when they venture out of their homes.

3. Viking Linen Stocking For Yule - Viking Christmas Gift 

get order here:Viking Linen Stocking For Yule - Viking Christmas Gift

This embroidered hand-made stocking is sure to become a treasured holiday decoration for your favorite viking or shieldmaiden

4. Viking Gnome and Reindeer Christmas Stocking Light Colour - Viking Christmas Gift 

get order here:Viking Gnome and Reindeer Christmas Stocking Light Colour - Viking Christmas Gift

I am a Viking, my life is full of adventure and I love to explore. If you are looking for an adventurous gnome that loves to travel then talk with me.

5. Cute Viking Gnome Christmas Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift

get order here: Cute Viking Gnome Christmas Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift

I'm sure you know that gnomes are little creatures that live in the ground. What you may not know, is what they do for a living? Gnomes work to make sure all of the plants and animals on earth are happy. They also help people by making things like gardens or parks where we can go to relax or play games with our friends. If you've ever seen one of these places before, then chances are it's because a gnome helped create it!

6. Cute Viking Reindeer Christmas Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift 

get order here: Cute Viking Reindeer Christmas Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift 

Reindeer are a very popular Christmas decoration. They can be expensive, but you can make your own for a lot cheaper. All you need is some construction paper and cardboard, glue or tape, and string or yarn. You will also want to get a pair of scissors and markers/crayons if you would like to decorate them! With these materials at hand, reindeer decorations are easy to make!

7. Cute Viking Snowman Christmas Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift 

get order here:Cute Viking Snowman Christmas Ornament - Viking Christmas Gift 

Snow is on the ground and everyone's favorite winter activity of building a snow man has begun. There are many different ways to build a snow man, but I have found that there is one way in particular that yields the best results every time! Below you will find instructions on how to build your very own snowman.