by Lydia Workman

Created on: December 17, 2008

The customs of Yule started thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians honoured the god Horus in a festival which lasted 12 days. Horus was thought to be reborn at this time of year and buildings were decorated in greenery to commemorate this event. Eventually these sun worship ceremonies migrated to Mesopotamia.

Neighbouring cultures attributed success to these winter sun worship rites. Eventually these solstice events travelled through Babylon, Persia, and Greece. And, then the Romans had their sun worshipping ceremonies.

In Rome there was a sun worshipping religion known as Mithraism. The Romans borrowed customs from their predeccessors and added some new customs of their own. They began celebrating a festival known as Saturnalia which worshipped the god Saturn. Schools and businesses were shut down for this festival . Masters served slaves during the festival and a Lord of Misrule was appointed. Saturnalia was a week long festival and homes were decorated with laurel boughs. Candles were lit to drive evil spirits away. Bon fired were held. And, the popularity of these winter festivals spread throughout Europe.

Christianity became the dominant religion throughout the civilized world. Many Pagan customs associated with the solstice became incorporated into the Christian faith. Christian churches were set up where previously Pagan worship had gone on. The church adopted Pagan symbols and traditions in order to make Pagans feel more at ease in accepting the Christian church. Pagan deities even had their names altered and were named as saints in the Christian religion. Eventually many people became converted to Christianity. However, the Pagans went on with their festivals. Pagan and Christian celebrations began to meld together.Many things which we now associate with Christmas had maigckal or Pagan origins.

The candy cane is an invention of an American candy maker. It is shaped to represent a 'J' for Jesus. Peppermint was long a part of Pagan winter celebrations. The white is to symbolize the virgin birth and the red symbolizes the blood Jesus shed while on the cross.

The evergreen is a symbol of power over death. Through the cold weather the tree retains it's life. Bringing a tree indoors is thought to be a way of inviting the spirits of the woods into your home. Decorations began to be hung on these trees as offering to the gods of the skies.

Holly is another symbol of rebirth as it's leaves stay green throughout the winter. It was used in amulets in

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