Yule Legends & Traditions from Around the World
Yule is the time when tradition may be the most present in our day-to-day lives. Whether you celebrate Yule, Christmas, or any of the many other holidays in December, pretty much everywhere you look, there’s some tradition, legend, or myth there. The trees we erect in our homes, the candles we light, and even the recipes we cook from cookbooks passed down from generations help make this time of year truly special.
But what about some of the lesser-known traditions and legends? Let’s dive into some of our favorites!
The Yule Cat
The Yule Cat, or Jólaköttur in Icelandic, is an enormous black cat that roams the snowy countryside in Icelandic folklore. This menacing feline stalks homes, peering in with its glowing eyes during Yule, looking for anyone not wearing new clothing they have received as a gift. This cautionary tale warned all lazy individuals who did not contribute to winter preparations that they would become a tasty meal for the Yule Cat.
Parents used the Yule Cat lore to inspire their children to do daily chores. The stories also served as a lesson to children to be grateful for the gifts they received. Wearing grandma’s ugly sweater would ensure your safety if worn on Christmas Eve. The Yule Cat also inspired those with wealth to give clothing to those less fortunate, ensuring everyone was safe, regardless of social standing, from the wrath of the Yule Cat.
The Yule Goat
The Yule Goat, a cherished figure from Northern Europe and Scandinavia, has roots tied to Norse traditions. It is associated with Thor, the Norse god whose chariot is pulled by two goats, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr. One possible origin of the Yule Goat comes from the practice of preserving the last sheaf of grain from the final harvest of the year. Believed to hold magickal properties, this sheaf was saved for Yule and crafted into the figure of the Yule Goat.
In Sweden, the Yule Goat was said to move invisibly from house to house, ensuring Yule preparations were in order. Similar to Mari Lwyd and Krampus, young men would dress as the Yule Goat, visiting homes to perform plays and pranks, adding a mischievous and festive spirit to the season.
Hiding of the Brooms
In Norwegian folklore, there is a tradition of hiding brooms on Christmas Eve. This practice originated from the belief that evil spirits, witches, and supernatural beings were most active during the Winter Solstice. Many believed witches would steal brooms left out on Christmas Eve night and use them to fly around and cause chaos in the town.
It was thought that bad luck would befall any household whose broom was stolen by the witches. To prevent this, families would ensure that their homes were clean before Christmas Eve or wait until December 26th to clean once the power of the witches lessened. Many families would leave offerings of food or wine, light candles, or sprinkle holy water throughout their homes to appease or keep the witches away.
In other versions of the story, families would leave out their broom and an offering of wine, hoping the witch would clean their house. Sometimes, the witch would drink too much wine and do a terrible cleaning job. This folklore served as a reminder for families to rest and enjoy the holiday celebrations.
Mari Lwyd
Mari Lwyd (pronounced “Mary Loyd” in Welsh) is a Welsh "Grey Mare" who emerges during the darkest months of the year. Much like Krampus Night, this tradition remains vibrant today, with people dressing as Mari and visiting homes to exchange cheeky rhymes and limericks with the residents. Grim in appearance, Mari is represented by a horse’s skull draped in a white cloak, creating a striking and eerie figure.
Between Christmas Day and Twelfth Night, Mari travels the village accompanied by a group of revelers, attempting to gain entry into homes. Mischievous by nature, she might try to steal items from the house or chase people she fancies through the streets. However, if Mari enters your home, it’s said to bring good luck for the coming year. This skeletal horse has been causing playful chaos since at least 1800, when she was first mentioned in a written record.
Stay magickal!
Megan W.