A warming gift

The Yule log is an ancient Celtic tradition, aspects of which can still be seen in Christmas celebrations today, most commonly in the baking of a chocolate cake roll. The log was traditionally cut from the owner’s land or given as a gift. It was carried into the house and placed in the hearth, where it was doused in ale or wine before being set alight with a fragment from the previous year’s log. It was left to burn to a smoulder for 12 days, after which the fire was ceremonially put out. The light and heat of the log was intended to counteract the darkness of the 12 days in winter when Celts believed the sun stood still. The ashes were swept away, to be sown with the spring seeds and any remaining shards put aside to light the fire the following year.