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Let Us Go A Wassailing

© Myrrha

To wassail means to toast. When I think of the traditional song, I think of reveling, merrymaking, drinking, and carolling. Caroling has long been associated with the Christmas season. It's fun, it lifts the spirit, and puts you in mind of the celebration at hand.

The name Christmas is derived from the Catholic Christ's Mass. For many of us Pagans, that leaves us with songs to sing at this time of year that don't capture the spirit of our winter celebration, Yule. Or, does it?

The spirit of Yule is that of the recognition of the rebirth of the Sun God (familiar theme?) primarily, but there are other themes celebrated at this time. Yule is the name given to the Winter Solstice. Daylight is at it's shortest on Yule and then the days become longer thereafter. I've included a few Pagan carols below which I think capture that spirit.

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The 13 Nights of Yule

On the first night of Yuletide My true love gave to me...

A golden bough in an oak tree. Two lovers loving Three pentagrams Four blowing winds Five trees of life Six ways of censing Seven cauldrons swirling Eight sabbat fires Nine Stones for stepping Ten Pagans dancing Eleven Stags a-leaping Twelve signs a-changing Thirteen Moons a-shining.

Words: Unknown Music: Traditional

~~~~~ Brothers, Sisters, Come and Sing

Brothers, sisters, come and sing Glory to the newborn king: Gardens peaceful, forests wild, Celebrate the Holy Child. Now the time of growing starts Joyful hands, and joyful hearts Cheer the Yule log as it burns For once again the Sun returns. Brothers, sisters come and sing Glory to the newborn King,

Words: Unknown Music: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

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Now Rest Ye Gentle Paganfolk

Now rest ye gentle Paganfolk, let nothing you dismay Remember that the Sun returns, upon this Solstice day The growing dark is ended now and Spring is on its way Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.

Words: Unknown Music: Traditional

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What Child is This

What child is this who rises now From his Mother's womb returning? Her children greet most joyously, The sight of his face's bright burning. This is the Sun Child born The radiant one The light returned. Born to the world again This child, the promise of Summer.

His growing light returns the warmth That darkness stole from out the Earth To bud the leaves and blossoms bring To signal Spring's rebirth. Chorus

Words: Anie Minogue Music: GreensleevesWhat Child is This

What child is this who rises now From his Mother's womb returning? Her children greet most joyously, The sight of his face's bright burning. This is the Sun Child born The radiant one The light returned. Born to the world again This child, the promise of Summer.

His growing light returns the warmth