Yule

Winter festival YuleA drinking scene on the Tängelgårda IV image stone from Gotland, in the Swedish Museum of National Antiquities in StockholmObserved byGermanic pagans, Modern pagans (Heathens, Wiccans), LaVeyan SatanistsTypePaganSignificanceWinter festivalDateMiddle of winter (see § Date of observance)FrequencyAnnualRelated toMidwinter, Christmastide, Christmas Yule (Old English: ġēol, Old Norse: jól) is a winter festival and time of the year historically observed by heathen Germanic peoples that was later merged with the festival of Christmas during the process of Christianisation. The oldest accounts describe two Yule-months around the winter solstice in early, and sometimes explicitly heathen, Germanic calendars. Later, and more extensive, Old Norse sources also describe a Yule festival occurring during this period, which possibly began on Hǫkunótt and continued for several days. During it, feasting, ceremonial drinking and oath swearing was central, and plays and games likely took place. Tales set at this time frequently feature supernatural beings visiting halls and farms, such as trolls and undead draugar. Such traditions closely resemble folk practices and beliefs