Juel

Juel

Juel

was the most noted festival of the Scandinavian worship, which was celebrated in the longest night as a new year's celebration. Sacrifices and vows were made to the gods for fruitfulness for the coming year. In honor of the god Freir a huge boar was butchered, and the sacrifice, called the Jula-pig or Julablot, was made in the presence of the king. A golden boar was brought into the hall, all laid their hands on it and msde the most binding vows. Then four weeks of; eating, drinking, dancing, and playing followed. The name Yule for Christmas is thought to have thus originated.