by Martina Billings-McAtee, RN

Created on: December 07, 2009   Last Updated: December 09, 2009

Yule is the last Sabbat of the year. It is celebrated over 12 days beginning on "Mother's Night" and ends 12 days later on "Yule Night" The 12 days begin most often on the 20th or 21st of December and and end on December 31st. It is the time of greatest darkness as it is the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice is a time to celebrate the birth of the Divine King. The Sun is thought to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan traditions. As such, the Winter Solstice is celebrated to mark the return of the Sun God as he is again reborn unto the Goddess. While colors to celebrate this tradition can vary among orders and practitioners the traditional colors associated with the holiday are red, green and gold.

Red is the color of health and passion and symbolizes our wish for continued or better health for ourselves and our loved ones in the coming year and as we battle the long, dark and cold days of winter. Green represents good fortune to all and a promise of the sun to return. It symbolizes generosity and an abundance of food to share with all. It corresponds to a time to renew friendships and surround ourselves with ffamily and loved ones. Gold is the color of the Sun God and his birth is celebrated on Yule morning. This color symbolizes intuition and a celebration of his birth.

These colors are easily found in nature which makes it easy to decorate an alter or wreath with red and green berries, pine cones and gold candles. Many pagans choose to honor the traditions of the past and use these colors to decorate their Yule logs and homes. Others have broken away from the norm and opted to carry over traditions that came from their childhood. One practitioner who was raised in a traditional Jewish household combined the childhood memories associated with blue and white and incorporated that into her holiday rituals. Some practitioners choose to take what the Sabbat symbolizes to them and interpret it into the rituals of the holiday.

The Pagan religion is steeped in ancient traditions but is also open to new interpretations. The best thing to remember when celebrating any Sabbat is the reason behind the colors, scents and rituals. There are many ways to decorate this season so think about what the holiday represents to you and yours and be creative with your decorating. Maybe you will start a tradition of your own.

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