For neopagans, the winter is packed with meaningful holidays. Many of these events date back to the most ancient days of humanity. The Feast of Yule, for example, has been celebrated in one form or another since the earliest Germanic people moved about Europe. The traditions of Yule still exist within the practices of other religious groups. Putting up a Christmas tree comes directly from the Yule ritual of cutting down evergreen trees and placing them indoors to be decorated with lights and Yule treats.
While there are plenty of Yule traditions that have been absorbed into other cultural practices, there are still a significant number of rituals uniquely associated with the event. Certain flavors and drinks are present at all Yule events. Most of these brews are made from ingredients that are bountiful in the winter, making them a perfect fit all throughout the season. Make your holidays a bit brighter this year by trying some of these Yule treats out for yourself.
Ginger
As far as flavors go, ginger walks an interesting line. Used in both savory and sweet recipes, this root has been a staple in culinary and medicinal circles for thousands of years. Found mainly in China and India, ginger found its way to Europe thanks to the heavy trade between the various ruling empires of the Mediterranean. Early celebrations of Yule might not have used too much ginger, but it became heavily associated with the season by the time the British Empire took control of the spice trade. Since then, many winter festivals include baked treats flavored with ginger.
Though ginger confections might not be exclusive to Yule, the root has many other uses in rituals surrounding this holiday. On a cold night during the Yuletide, a warm cup of ginger tea can nourish the body and the spirit. The tea itself is flavorful and it boasts a number of health benefits. Ginger has been said to be helpful for dealing with nausea and muscle pain. If you’re looking for a comforting elixir to add to your winter celebrations, this tea could be perfect for you. Add a dash of cinnamon to the mix for enhanced flavor.
Wassail
Maybe the most important of all Yule drinks is the wassail. Essentially a mulled cider served hot, the beverage is heavily associated with the festivities attributed to Yule. Though the term has not seen the widespread use it once had, “wassailing” is sort of like going out to sing Christmas carols. Participants will go about their communities, usually knocking on doors, and singing festive songs to the people who greet them. The singers will have a bowl of wassail with them, offering it up to anyone in exchange for gifts.
Whether you decide to go out and wassail or stay indoors and enjoy some holiday tunes on Spotify, you can bet a cup of this mulled cider will warm your spirits. Make a batch of this in the simplest way possible by adding apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and a few cloves into a pot on your stove. Simmer the ingredients for about twenty minutes and serve. Most people add cognac or brandy to the finished product, but the drink can also make for a wonderful treat without any alcohol.
Enjoy the Season
You don’t have to take part in Yule celebrations to enjoy some of the wonderful elixirs that come with the season. This winter, explore some of these tastes for yourself. Whether you want to feel nice and toasty indoors with some ginger tea or go out for a raucous round of wassailing with some hot cider and good friends, there are plenty of options to consider.