The Yule Log
The Christmas pastry books almost always feature a delicious looking Yule Log. But the real Yule Log wasn't a cake at all, but a real log, burned on Christmas eve.
The custom of the Yule Log dates back to the 12th century. It was said to be unlucky to buy one, so an enormous, freshly cut log would be ceremoniously brought to the house. Then, on Christmas Eve, it would be placed on the hearth by the head of the household. It was not unusual for it to be lit by the younger girls of the family, almost always using splinters saved fron the previous year's log. From this point, the ritual would differ with regions, but it would normally have to be kept burning for 12 hours. What made this a most difficult task, was the fact that stirring the embers was not allowed during the Christmas Eve dinner as long as there was any food on the table or one person left eating.
While the log burned,ghost stories or tales of old were told. And watch any shadows cast! It was well known that a headless shadow ment the death of the person who cast it within that year.
Gradually, the tradition disappeared as the great hearths were replaced by smaller fireplaces or cast iron stoves. Today, most recognize the Yule Log as the lucious, chocolate coated roll cake enjoyed as part of the holiday meal. But there are those who still remember the glow of the origional Yule Log on Christmas Eve.
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