The Theft of Yule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The term "Yule" was misappropriated from Germanic Pagans by proselytizing Christians as part of the Christmas observance. That was a long time ago. A whole lot of that spiritual theft took place in AD or Anno Domini, the period after Christ was said to be born. Some Pagans converted, some did not, but the new religion and its many proponents were vehemently driven. Their numbers grew. It was new and improved? We guess that depends on how the conversion was undertaken, peacefully or not. History tells us a lot of "or not" took place. Countless Pagan idols and sanctuaries were trashed, many Pagan beliefs were corrupted and turned into early Christian symbols. Enter Yule. 

"Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. It marks the return of the sun—when the days finally begin to get a little longer. It's also a time to celebrate with family and friends, and share the spirit of giving during the holidays." notes this observer. My  amateur research took me to far darker tales of destruction and oppression and that was just in the Middle East. In what is now Europe the coercion was similar. "As Christianity ‘triumphed’ over the course of the fourth century, so too did Christians' growing intolerance for pagans, and also Jews and ‘heretical Christians’. In the traditional narrative, Christians ended the fourth century by persecuting pagans and coercing their conversion. The political conflict was constant."  Recall the Crusades? How about The Inquisition and witch burning?  

Modern day Inquisition fans (think Christian Nationalists for instance) are quick to claim "Pagans worship the Creation not the Creator". Let's look into that. The so-called "Creation" is Nature, the Earth. It is something we can walk around in, feel, see, touch. It is what we call reality. It is also something we can love, something we might defend, something we might worship like "The Great Mystery" some indigenous people refer to. Have you seen the "Creator" recently? If so, please share the evidence.

One Pagan practice that was often shunned in ancient times was sacrifices, both animal and human. Most of us humans are appalled by such violence today unless it's on-screen or in the ring or butchers department at the store. We go to war because we feel we must and we sacrifice our young men and women to do so. It is said by devout Christians that "Jesus died for our sins". That was a sacrifice, yes? Have you ever thought about the meaning of all that? 

Time marches on and it is getting late. I don't wish to spoil your Holiday and I would like to think, in this day & age, you don't wish to spoil others' Holiday?  Happy Yule.