Of course, the Christmas holidays are an opportunity to get together with the family around a good meal, where all the excesses will be allowed. But it is also the opportunity for some people to offer and to be offered gifts to those who are dear to them. As far as I'm concerned, it's the only time of the year when I can indulge without restraint in my indulgence, the Yule log.
Once is not customary, you are not a little curious about the origin of this tradition, which dates all the same already from Antiquity?
By the way for all the people who are still unaware of it, this usage comes to us directly from the Nordic countries, in particular from the Vikings. Originally, the “Yule Log”, or even the “fire of Yule” was in fact a Scandinavian festival which celebrated the arrival of the winter solstice. As it was the time of year when the nights were longer and very cold, the families all gathered together in a house around a big fire.
Over the centuries, this custom has spread throughout Europe, namely Greece, Great Britain, France and Belgium. It was in the sixth century that Pope Julius decided to associate this pagan tradition with the feast of the Nativity. On Christmas Eve, therefore, a huge old log from a fruit tree was burned in the homes, carefully selected and beautifully decorated with ribbons.
As for the Yule log as we know it today, namely the cake in the shape of a newspaper, it is quite simply a French practice that dates from the nineteenth century, at the time of Napoleon. Indeed, due to an epidemic, it has prohibited the use of fireplaces. Thus, the cake logs took the place of the wooden ones.
Subsequently, this pastry completely took the place of the stump that was burned and it is now around the Yule log that families met. Yes, and even if nowadays many are unaware of the real meaning of this tradition, this cake eaten as a dessert is still very popular during the Christmas periods, especially since this roll is sometimes available in many flavors.
I suppose that, like me, you particularly appreciate the end of the Christmas Eve meal, since it is the moment we will finally taste the log.
Bon appetit and Merry Christmas to all!
Photo credit:skywithfireflies
