A Leprechaun's Guide to Yule

From your friend, Declan.

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I’m not talking about Christmas. I’m talking about original version, Yule, a celebration of the Winter Solstice that lasts twelve nights. Oh, and for those of you who merely skimmed the title, this is your old pal, Declan, here, and I’ve been given the honor of writing this month’s blog post, and it’s all about how me and my kind -- leprechauns, pooka, gillie-doos, the whole lot – celebrate this special occasion.

 

 It would start with a pilgrimage to a very special place in Ireland, known as Newgrange, a huge earthen mound constructed over five-thousand years ago. Take that, you Egyptians and your bloody pyramids!

 

Anyway, the architects of Newgrange were so brilliant they constructed it in the right exact place that when the sun rises on the Winter Solstice, it hits an opening above the entryway and lights up the entire inside of the structure, all those twisty turns and passageways. I wish I could tell you who those magnificent architects were and how they were able to create such miraculous sites – as you’d find all over Ireland – but alas even some secrets are hidden even from me.

 The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, and Yule is a time to rejoice and be full of hope. It means the sun was beginning its long journey back towards, promising the warm days of spring will return to us, and all the world will be fresh and green again. 

 While at Newgrange, we sing and dance around bonfires, count the year’s blessings, and pray to the elements. When it’s time to return home where we prepare the great hall in our home inside the Cooley Mountains for the festivities. We hang wreaths and strings of holly and mistletoe all over the walls and from the ceilings, and the entire hall is filled with the sound of laughter, music, and song. We sing about our ancestors and the gods of old, not to mention the ballad of the Battle of the Holly King and the Oak King, the twin rulers of the heavens who are locked forever in eternal battle. For this is their holiday. This time of the year the Oak King always prevails, but don’t count the Holly King out for good. He returns on the Summer Solstice to reclaim his seat in the heavens.

 

 Let’s not forget about the food and drink. Lots of cakes and cookies, peppermint fudge, and of course the traditional plum pudding. There’s tender roasted boar and cup after cup of warm, wonderful wassail. We exchange handmade crafts and revel in each other’s company, knowing that we will make it through the long cold winter together.

 

 There’s Yule for you! And no matter what you celebrate, may your holidays be festive and joyful.