People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — The Yule Log. [ARTICLE]

The Yule Log.

A custom at one time prevalent in England, and still observed in some of the northern districts of the old country, is that of placing an immense log of wood—sometimes the root of a great tree—in the wide chimney-place. This log is often called the yule log, and it was on Christmas Eve that it was put on the wide hearth. Around it would gather the entire family, and its entrance was the occasion of a great deal of ceremony. There was music and rejoicing, while the one authorized to light it was obliged to have clean hands. It was always lighted with a brand left over from the log of the previous year, which had been carefully preserved for the purpose. A poet sings of it in this way: With the last yeere’s brand Light the new block, and For good success in his spending, On your psaltries play, That sweet luck may Come while the Jog is a teending. The Yule log was supposed to be a, protection against evil spirits, and it was considered a bad omen if the fire went out before the evening was over, The family and guests used to seal; themselves in front «of the brightly burning fire, and many a story and merry jest went round the happy group.