The Yule log observance is deeply rooted in pagan traditions. It is an ancient practice that pre-dates Christianity and is still celebrated by many today. The Yule log represents the rebirth of the sun and is a symbol of light and warmth during the darkest days of the year. In pagan belief, the log was believed to possess magical powers that warded off evil spirits and brought good fortune for the coming year. It was typically harvested from a sacred tree and carefully chosen for its size and shape. Once brought into the home, the log was traditionally lit on the winter solstice and burned throughout the night.
Then again, so much of what we embrace as key to our Pagan experience comes to us from non-Pagans. The Eddas and sagas were composed and/or transcribed by Christians long after Iceland’s conversion. Saxo Grammaticus, Adam of Bremen, and other medieval writers who recorded myth and described ritual were openly hostile to the Old Way. Modern writers beloved by today’s practitioners, from Jacob Grimm to Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson, were absolutely not practitioners themselves. Ditto for performers like Sequentia, who have recorded the Old Norse poems in musical recreations.
With compassionate insight Sudhalter depicts Hoagy s triumphs and tragedies, and his mounting despair as rock-and-roll drowns out and lays waste to the last days of a brilliant career. Album titles are hyperlinked to their Bandcamp pages, and a playlist of all the individual tracks discussed can be found in the new featured playlist on The Norse Mythology YouTube Channel.
Once brought into the home, the log was traditionally lit on the winter solstice and burned throughout the night. The ashes were then collected and used for various purposes, such as fertilizing crops or protecting the home from evil. While the Yule log observance has pagan origins, it has also been incorporated into Christian holiday traditions.
Stardust Melody : The Life and Music of Hoagy Carmichael
Georgia on My Mind, Rockin' Chair, Skylark, Lazybones, and of course the incomparable Star Dust--who else could have composed these classic American songs but Hoagy Carmichael? He remains, for millions, the voice of heartland America, eternal counterpoint to the urban sensibility of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. Now, trumpeter and historian Richard M. Sudhalter has penned the first book-length biography of the man Alec Wilder hailed as "the most talented, inventive, sophisticated and jazz-oriented of all the great songwriters--the greatest of the great craftsmen." Stardust Melody follows Carmichael from his roaring-twenties Indiana youth to bandstands and recording studios across the nation, playing piano and singing alongside jazz greats Jack Teagarden, Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and close friends Bix Beiderbecke and Louis Armstrong. It illuminates his peak Hollywood years, starring in such films as To Have and Have Not and The Best Years of Our Lives, and on radio, records and TV. With compassionate insight Sudhalter depicts Hoagy's triumphs and tragedies, and his mounting despair as rock-and-roll drowns out and lays waste to the last days of a brilliant career. With an insider's clarity Sudhalter explores the songs themselves, still fresh and appealing while reminding us of our innocent American yesterdays. Drawing on Carmichael's private papers and on interviews with family, friends and colleagues, he reveals that "The Old Music Master" was almost as gifted a wordsmith as a shaper of melodies. In all, Stardust Melody offers a richly textured portrait of one of our greatest musical figures, an inspiring American icon.
Scorched Oak
Withering Earth (2020)
Self-released
Many churches now hold Yule log ceremonies as part of their Christmas celebrations, often using a smaller log decorated with candles to represent Christ as the light of the world. The Yule log observance is a reminder of our connection to nature and the cycles of life, as well as a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the warmth and light that the holiday season brings..
Reviews for "Pagan Perspectives on Yule Log Observance: Embracing Divinity in Nature"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I watched the "Yule log observance pagan" and found it to be incredibly boring and uninteresting. The whole concept of watching a log burn for hours on end did not captivate me in any way. I was hoping for some educational or entertaining content related to paganism, but instead, all I got was a monotonous footage of a burning log. I would not recommend wasting your time on this dull and pointless video.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I was quite disappointed with the "Yule log observance pagan" video. While it did provide a serene and cozy ambiance with the crackling fire, it failed to provide any context or explanation about the paganism aspect. As someone who was hoping to learn more about this ancient practice, I found myself left with more questions than answers after watching the video. It felt like wasted potential and left me feeling puzzled and unsatisfied.
3. Emily - 1 star
I honestly don't understand the appeal of the "Yule log observance pagan" video. It was just a looped footage of a burning log without any variations or interesting elements. I expected to see some pagan rituals or learn about the symbolism behind the Yule log, but all I got was a repetitive and dull video that seemed like a cheap attempt to get views. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for engaging content related to paganism.