The winter solstice coincides with several pagan, pre-Christmas holidays and traditions, including but not limited to Germanic Yule, Punjabi Lohri, and Roman Saturnalia.

Yule originates from pagan traditions symbolising the longest night of the year. The festivities begin on December 21 - the winter solstice - and end on January 1, the start of the new year.

Some Christmas traditions mirror pre-Christian festivities, but some pagan influences may have been overstated.

The holiday season is filled with traditions, symbols and rituals that reflect centuries of history and cultural diversity. This glossary explores the origins and meanings behind some of the familiar ...

Yule is celebrated on the first day of winter, known as Winter Solstice, which is the longest night of the year. This year, it falls on Dec. 21. Yule is an ancient Pagan holiday that celebrates ...

Saturday is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In many Pagan religions, the day is marked by Yule, a holiday that's a time of both reflection and celebration.

In Southwestern Wisconsin, preparation is underway for Circle Sanctuary's 50th annual Yule festival. For the pagan members the church serves, it marks winter solstice, the longest night of the ...