People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1896 — The Yule Loe. [ARTICLE]

The Yule Loe.

A custom at one time prevalent ini 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 'wlthTa 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 poultries play, That sweet luck may , Come while the log is a teendin*. The Yule log was supposed to be q protection against evil spirits, and it was considered a bad omen if the fire went out before the evening was The family and guests used to seat themselves in front of the brightly burning fire, and many a story and mer? ry jest went round the happy group. ;