Tales of the Yule Log Trivia Quiz

Answer: Norse

The word "yule" appears to be derived from the Old Norse "jol", which was the name of a Norse festival. The Old English "geol", and Middle English "yol", which meant "Christmas Day" or "midwinter", are related, as is the Old French "jolif". Today's word "joli", which means "nice", originally meant "festive".

It is believed that Yule was originally a festival celebrated by Norsemen that was associated with the winter solstice, which is considered to be the first day of winter today. Over time, as they were converted to Christianity, the Yuletide became the season to celebrate Christ.

Answer: 12 days

Before the advent of Christianity early sources state that the season of Yule lasted for two months through December and January; afterwards it was limited to twelve days. The "Saga of Hákon the Good" says that King Hákon I of Norway (934-961) was responsible for the Christian conversion of his people, and that he eventually was the one who adjusted the Yuletide to correspond with the Christian Christmas. Those who are familiar with the popular song know that the Christmas season is 12 days long beginning on December 25 and continuing through January 5.

Answer: False

This appears to have been a regional choice, perhaps according to the availability of trees growing in the area. In England, oak was preferred, but some areas of the country, such as Devon, used ash. In Scotland birch was the tree of choice, and in France cherry was used.

The French also preferred to pour wine over their tree before it was lit because the wine would make the tree smell better while it burned.

Answer: True

There are accounts that tell about an entire tree being selected, cut down, and brought into the house. But there are also some that tell that only twigs from a tree were used, as there was a tradition that the shepherds found Mary and Joseph cold on Christmas night and burned twigs to keep them warm.

In Cornwall, a log called a "mock" was dried and the bark was stripped off before it was brought inside and burned, while in other areas just a stump or even a root of the tree was enough to burn.

Answer: It was okay to let the fire go out.

Yes, there was a lot of proper etiquette connected with the Yule log; many people believed that deviating from the norm would cause terrible bad luck or misfortune. Handling the log with dirty hands was considered to be disrespectful, and throwing out ashes on Christmas Day was never done "for fear of throwing them in Our Saviour's face." It was bad luck for the wood to be purchased.

It was to be found on one's own land or perhaps on a neighbor's property. Letting the fire go out was another omen of bad luck to come.

Answer: False

The remains of the previous year's Yule log were used to light the new one. And it was important to have someone in the home who could make a light for the Yule log. It was taboo to let a fire leave the house between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, as the luck of the family might be carried out with it.

Answer: True

It was believed that keeping the charred remains of the Yule log under the bed protected the family from lightening and fire. It could also keep toothaches, mildew, and other misfortune at bay. In some areas it was believed that its magic was so strong that the remains of the Yule log could even produce gifts!

Answer: Good triumphing over evil

Most sources agree that eventually the Christian church chose to make the celebration of Christ's birth during the time of the winter solstice as many pagan groups, that were potential converts, already had special observances at that time. For those pagans the fire symbolized the sun's rebirth out of the darkness; for Christians the fire came to represent the light of Christ and his goodness, along with the fact that he triumphed over sin and darkness.

It was a time to burn away all the errors in judgement and faults that a person had and begin anew.

The ashes from the log were so powerful that they could do just that!

Answer: A piece of wood was brought to the lord of the manor.

Historians believe that this practice probably grew out of the medieval system of feudalism. As part of their obligation to their lord, his serfs would have to collect firewood for use in the lord's fireplace. Today the Yule log, which was known in France as the bûche de noël, is still part of the celebration, but in a different way.

Answer: Cake

Rather than burning a log, they eat a cake called the "Bûche de Noël" that is made to look like a log and sometimes decorated with tree branches! It is typically a chocolate cake that has some sort of delicious filling, made like a Swiss roll.