Feast of Juul
Juul, Feast of
In England and in many parts of Germany, France, and other European countries, the Yule log was burned until nothing but ash remained; then the ashes were collected and either strewn on the fields as fertilizer every night until Twelfth Night or kept as a charm and useful medicine. French peasants believed that if the ashes were kept under the bed, they would protect the house against thunder and lightning, as well as prevent chilblains on the heels during the winter.
The present-day custom of lighting a Yule log at Christmas is believed to have originated in the bonfires associated with the Feast of Juul.
DaysCustFaith-1957, p. 352
EncyChristmas-2003, p. 843
RoundYr-1950, p. 196
StoryWrldHol-1924, p. 312