Uncovering the Ancient Symbols on Yule Tree Ornaments

The Yule tree is a central symbol of the Christmas season, representing life, renewal, and the bringer of light during the darkest time of the year. While the origins of the Yule tree can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions, it has evolved over time to become a cherished part of modern Christmas celebrations. One of the most significant Yule tree embellishments of pagan origin is the use of evergreen branches and foliage. The ancient pagans believed that evergreen plants possessed magical properties and represented the continuous cycle of life. They would decorate their homes with these green branches during the winter solstice festival as a way to invite nature's spirits into their dwellings and ensure a fruitful spring. Another pagan-inspired embellishment is the use of candles on the Yule tree.

Another pagan-inspired embellishment is the use of candles on the Yule tree. In pagan traditions, candles were used to symbolize the return of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness. The act of lighting candles on the Yule tree serves as a reminder of the coming of brighter days and the hope that accompanies the changing of seasons.

Yule tree embellishments of pagan origin

We have had our Yule Tree since Raven and I have lived together, always topped with the radiant sun. I think I made a post about our Yule Tree in 2011, or at least intended to, because I found an old collage of the Yule Tree from when we still lived in the apartment! Raven and I have been together for a decade now, and I like how we have formed our own mini-traditions for our mini-family. Every year we have celebrated Christmas day with found-family, some of whom have strained family relationships and painful memories of the festive period like myself. Solstice has often been celebrated with the broad group of friends met through the Highland Open Circle. The Yule tree has glittered through all of that, a symbol of both festivals, and of Raven and I merging our ideas.

I have a second, smaller tree in my study, known as the 'Gothmas' tree or the 'Cryptmas' tree which is black, purple and silver with sklls, bones, black cats and tomb-stones, but it will get its own post as it is an entirely secular festive decoration - and very much an aesthetic suited to the main Gothic theme of this blog rather than a Pagan thing.

The main difference between our tree and the average Christmas tree are the solar decorations. As well as gilded plaster decorations of the sun and moon, there is a large sun on the top of the tree instead of a star. I think it was actually manufactured as a starburst, but being gold and amber, and with so many radiating points, it certainly looks very solar.

We have a moon bauble as well as a sun one, because while we celebrate the returning sun and coming of warmer weather, we also celebrate the longest night and those cosy evenings indoors, the snow on the hills and importance of winter in the cycle of things. The balance is important, and although there are a lot of harsh things about winter weather, that harsh weather kills off harmful pests and parasites, the frost can be what triggers some plants to grow, and snow-sports are a big part of the local economy in some regions of the Highlands. Winter is not inherently a bad thing, just as summer is not inherently a good thing; they both have their benefits and also bring problems (eg. summer can bring drought, wild-fires, sunburn, heat exhaustion etc.). In my form of Paganism I try and celebrate the seasons as they come, and while there is always something hopeful about the returning light in darkness, sometimes it's important to appreciate that darkness too (a familiar mentality for Goths!).

Our Yule Tree has decorations that aren't solar, like owls (getting a new owl each year has become a tradition in our household, too), a blown-glass witch, some skulls, lots of tartan and deer, a fuzzy wolf to represent our friend 'Sarge' and a lot of pine-cones, some glass, some real, as well as snowflakes and snowy things of various designs; it's a seasonal tree at its heart; the ever-green pine (in our case because it's plastic and thus literally can't die) decorated with symbols of winter, much like most festive trees. and unlike my Gothmas tree, which is more a touch of Hallowe'en in midwinter! But the Gothmas tree will get its own post next!

Ancient Egyptians used to decorate the temples dedicated to Ra, the god of the sun, with green palm during the Winter Solstice. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Furthermore, pagan symbols such as the sun, moon, and stars have found their place on Yule trees. The sun is often represented by a golden ornament or star placed at the top of the tree, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer daylight hours. Moon and star-shaped ornaments also hold pagan significance, as they represent the celestial bodies that symbolize the cyclical nature of time and the changing seasons. Additionally, various pagan-inspired decorations such as animals, fruits, and cones can be found adorning Yule trees. Animals like deer or birds are often included to represent the wildlife that depend on the forest. Fruits and cones, such as apples, oranges, or pinecones, are a nod to the harvest and fertility associated with the winter solstice. Overall, the Yule tree embellishments of pagan origin hold deep symbolism and connect us to the ancient roots of this beloved Christmas tradition. They remind us of the continuity of life, the triumph of light over darkness, and the importance of nature in our lives. So as you decorate your Yule tree this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the pagan origins of these embellishments and the rich history they represent..

Reviews for "The Evolution of Yule Tree Decoration Techniques"

1. Elizabeth - 2 stars

I found "Yule tree embellishments of pagan origin" to be quite disappointing. As someone who celebrates Christmas traditionally, I was hoping for a collection of ornaments and decorations that would enhance the festive spirit. However, this book solely focused on pagan symbols and rituals associated with the holiday, which did not align with my beliefs or preferences. I expected a more inclusive and diverse approach to the topic, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.

2. Thomas - 1 star

"Yule tree embellishments of pagan origin" completely missed the mark for me. I was looking for creative and unique ideas to decorate my Christmas tree, but instead, I found a book that glorified pagan customs and symbols. As a devout Christian, I was quite disappointed by the lack of traditional ornaments and the heavy emphasis on pagan origins. This book might appeal to those interested in pagan practices, but it failed to cater to a wider audience of Christmas celebrants.

3. Sarah - 2 stars

I wouldn't recommend "Yule tree embellishments of pagan origin" to anyone looking for a traditional Christmas vibe. The book focuses solely on pagan symbols and rituals, which may be interesting to some, but not to those seeking a more conventional approach to decorating their Christmas tree. The lack of variety and inclusivity in the ornament ideas was quite disappointing. I was hoping for a more balanced mix of traditions, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver.

Yule Tree Ornament Styles Throughout History