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Written by Jay Cookingham
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Traditions
are grand things; they encompass us with a rich blend of
history and relationships. However, some can be just downright ...well,
silly. I did a little research about the Yule Log and found out some
interesting facts, which may just surprise you. Before I get into
specifics of the Yule Log itself, it seem to me that more than a few of
these legends got started in lands where cold and ice rule the
landscape for months on end. I'm only suggesting that combined with the
long months in darkness, the cold can play a few games with your mind.
Which for me explains many of the wacky Yule time folklore stories.
From Iceland comes the disturbing tale of the giant ...Yule Cat. This
terrible feline was ready to make meow mix out of any and all lazy
townsfolk, especially those who might have been less than ambitious in
helping the town prepare for the long winter. Perhaps they were put in
charge of the litter box, (a rather large litter box at that), and lost
all motivation, who can blame them? However, slothful citizens in
Iceland were not alone in their peril, it seems that poor people were
also at risk to fall prey to this selective Yule Cat. For if it found
you outside with old clothes on, you were a sure fire goner! This is
the real reason all grandmothers give new socks and underwear every
Christmas, it's anti-Yule Cat protection for their grandkids. After
all, no self-respecting Nana is going to going to risk losing one of
her own to some oversized Garfield because of old underwear.
The
Yule Cat legend may also explain why the dog became man's best friend;
the dog may eat all your food in your house but at least not members of
your household.
The Yule Log originates from some ancient Scandinavian festivals and
the Vikings did their bit for history by spreading it around Europe
through their numerous raids. Can you imagine Eric the Red saying,
"Here ya go, we just raided your town and took all your stuff but we
left you this Yule Log gig." I think the modern day equivalent would be
getting a holiday fruitcake, which I believe is flammable and could be
used as a Yule log in a pinch, but I digress. Tradition states that a
log was chosen in the forest, decorated with ribbons and carried back
home. On the trip homeward the custom was that anybody meeting the
procession should salute the log by raising his or her hat. Why the log
would require such a greeting is beyond me, but if you were a barefoot
woman or had flatfeet, you were excluded from the presence of the
burning chuck of wood. A 4F rating that no doubt, kept many a fine
young person from serving in the Yule Log burning service corps.
Through the years the legend grew in popularity and changed a bit. It
was believed to be unlucky to buy a Yule log. The real lucky ones were
found on one's own land or from a neighbor's wood. Which, for the
neighbor trying to find his own Yule log, was not so lucky. People
saved a fragment from the previous year's log to use to ignite the new
one. The homeowner would keep this under the bed to keep the house safe
from fire and lightning (and perhaps Yule dust bunnies). Not lighting
the log on the first try was a sign of misfortune (watch out for the
Yule Cat) and touching it with dirty hands was a sign of disrespect.
This early version of the duraflame log would have to burn unattended
for 12 straight hours, but at least you got to eat during this time.
Although, you would be a little distracted from eating your meal, since
you had to carefully study the shadows cast upon the wall by the Yule
log fire. A "headless" shadow was not good news for the person casting
the shadow. A groundhog moment like this one supposedly foretold the
demise of said person within the year. Here in America we have
dispelled the myths of this long ago legend by reducing the Yule log to
a video appearance on a DVD. You don't really have to hunt for one,
(except maybe at the mall), there are no wall shadows to worry about
while you are chowing down and the DVD player could care less about
your flat feet.
Yes, every Christmas I learn something new and surprising. The
memories, the stories and traditions, collectively add to the discovery
process I go through each year. It wasn't always so, but God has
faithfully showed me the right attitude to dive into at Christmas time.
As fathers we have the privilege to be the one leading the celebration
in our homes. That opportunity helps build memories, traditions (maybe
even some silly ones, just for fun) and creates unity for the
generations to come. Yet, over 2000 years ago, in a small Hebrew town,
something more powerful than tradition rocked the world. Celebrating
His birth does more than change the way I "do" Christmas, it transforms
the way I am, the "who" I am. Because of that God injection into
mankind, all the stories, memories and traditions become richer in our
lives. Lets lead and enjoy the festivities with the focus on a Savior
that came to give us so much more.
"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has
redeemed his people." Luke 1:68
Blessings,
Jay
PS. A bonus...a poem from Joseph's point of view.
That Wonder
I held you close for the
first time tonight.
The Angel spoke to me
of your birth.
Dream talk made no mention
of how I would love you so.
Could it be, my little son
Messiah?
Even now my heart bows
to that wonder.
I will serve as father in
an earthly manner.
The days given me, now
belong to him.
I cup the face of God in
my rough hands.
I see the light of the world
reflected deep in newborn eyes.
Even now my spirit bows
to that wonder.
Jay Cookingham 12/5/02 ©
A father of seven,
Jay Cookingham has been happily married to his wife Christine for 22
years. Although trained as a graphic designer, Jay has been writing
poetry, short stories and articles for as long as he can remember. A
featured columnist at Fatherville.com
, Christianwriters.com
,ibelieve.com
,and
Crossmap.com ,
he also writes a weekly e-mail newsletter for fathers. His "Seven
Promises from Your Husband" was featured on the Ken Canfield's radio
program Today's Father
. Recently published in the God's Way series for Fathers, the
series for Teachers and Christmas.godswaybooks.com , He
is currently writing his first book on the subject of fathering.
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