Yule - Winter Solstice - typically falls between December 21st and December 22nd, in the Northern Hemisphere and occurs in the Southern Hemisphere between June 21st - 22nd, and celebrations may vary from year to year depending on when the Sun reaches the southern most point in its yearly cycle. At this time it marks the beginning of Winter and celebrates the rebirth of light and the Sun. It also marks the longest night of the year and because of that the days grow longer as we emerge from the depths of darkness. The darkness begins to diminish and the return of light... the Sun, brings hope and promise.
As the days become longer think perseverance, transformation and renewal as the increase of daylight will raise and lift your spirit with hope of what lies ahead... Spring.
Christmas, December 25th to December 27th, is linked with Winter Solstice and most customs, lore, symbols and rituals are similar. Other festivals or celebrations at this time include: Alban Arthan, Finn's Day, Festival of Sol, Yuletide, Great Day of Cauldron and Festival of Growth.
Herbs, plants and flowers associated with Yule are: Rosemary, Juniper, Sage, Evergreen, Oak, Yew, Holly, Mistletoe, Poinsettia, Frankincense and Sandalwood. Animals are stags, wolf, hawks, squirrels, wrens and robins. Yule colours are red, green, white, gold, silver, orange and yellow. Foods associated with Yule are: roasted turkey, pork, dried fruit, gingerbread, cookies, apples, pears, mulled wine, and spiced cider.
Activities to celebrate Yule on your own or with family and friends are: carolling, wassailing, burning the yule log, make a seasonal yule wreath, send greetings, story telling, donate food and clothing, put bird feeders up to help them supplement their food during the cold wintery months, light candles in Yule colours, meditate and cook or bake a Yuletide recipe.
The history of Yule Cake seems to date back before medieval times. Celtic Brits and Gaelic Europeans would gather to celebrate and welcome Winter Solstice. There would be great feasts and much celebrating honouring the return to light, when the days start to become longer.
Happy Yule... Winter Solstice and Christmas to all!
Celtic Yule Cakes
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1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/3 cup sultanas
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
grated orange zest from 1 orange
1 to 2 tablespoon milk
Icing:
2 cups icing sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons boiling water
In a bowl blend the icing sugar and boiling water together to make an icing.
Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
Generously grease and flour cupcake or muffin tin cups or alternatively line the cups with baking liners.
In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and sultanas. Stir together. Set aside.
In a large bowl beat together the butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and orange zest. Add the flour mixture. Stir and when mixed together add the tablespoon of milk, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Pour or spoon into the prepared baking cups. Smooth the tops. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When done transfer cakes to a wire rack and allow to cool. Once cooled prepare the icing and lace over the Celtic cakes in the form of a five pointed star.