This site is not part of the official CPC website. It is, however, a collection
of practices related to how the members of CPC often celebrate the eight holidays
of Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostre, Beltane, Midsommer, Lughnasadh, and Mabon. This
website was begun in 2005 by Myth Woodling, with the assistance of her webmaster/Spouse,
Thoron Woodling, and is offered as a free service to the CPC community. More
information will be added about the holidays as seems relevant. Please send comments
and suggestions to Myth Woodling.
Yule
Yule is the Anglo-Saxon name given to a celebration around the time of the
Winter Solstice. It celebrates the longest night of the year and the returning
Sun. The name is related to the Old Norse Jul. Most modern Pagan celebrations
of Yule contain elements taken from the Norse and Celtic cultures as well as the Roman
celebration of Saturnalia.
Norse elements included Yule logs, evergreens, feasting and drinking, and seasonal
oath swearing.
Celtic elements included the Holly King, mummings, singing, and drinking spirits.
Saturnalia included gift giving, fellowship, feasting, and evergreens. The Romans
also celebrated, on December 25, the Natilus Sol Invictus, "Birthday of the
Invincible Sun."
Another key element is the rebirth of the Sun, as from the time of the Winter Solstice
the days grow longer.
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