Yule is a time for followers of Hecate to gather with loved ones and ward off the dark of the shortest day of the year with a celebration. Rites are observed in the Temple at sunrise and sunset. In between these rituals, it is a day for visiting and celebrating family and togetherness. Traditionally, houses are decorated with holly and berries, the infinity symbol that represents Hycathism, and the beautiful lights that have been growing since Crosaire.
After an evening feast in the beautifully decorated rooms, families take the Crosaire light outside to light a brazier or campfire. Songs are sung and stories are told, with groups of singers and storytellers travelling around the community to visit older and isolated people. Those without families often meet up to create a “Yule family” for the evening to ensure no one is left out of the celebrations.
At midnight, there are fireworks. These are often organised by the town or village council, but some people choose to have their own. The Crosaire braziers and campfires are then left burning overnight until they die down naturally, symbolising the ancestors’ return to the underworld. The rest of the decorative lights are traditionally taken down the following day, but many people leave them up until New Year’s Day.
So sing a song, visit a friend, and have a happy Yule!
