All religions (for lack of a better word) draw upon some same key elements, and so we see the Pagan Yule present worldwide alongside other nearly universal practices and beliefs (consult the works of Joseph Campbell). Of course Christianity is not excluded from the collective mind, many of the concepts and traditions present in Christianity developed independently of other traditions, and yet are connected or related to other systems of thought and practices. A peculiar (and somewhat tangential) example comes to mind: when missionaries arrived in Papua New Guinea they found the indigenous residents difficult to convert because all concepts of sin and salvation were absent from their myths, but cannibalism was/is a fact of life. Therefore, it was the Holy Sacrament (the drinking and eating of the symbolic blood and body of Christ) that bridged the gap between these two seemingly separate cultures.
If we look far enough back into our family tree we are all indigenous. And if we look deeply enough into ourselves, and our modern practices we may find a Pagan face looking back at us, painted and singing. I have much to say on the subject of “song”… but for now I will content myself to address our Yuletide caroling. The Christian mythos and the consumer ethos of the modern solstice season do not suit me, and I’d hazard to guess they do not suit you either. But I do not wish to ignore the power and beauty of the season, in fact I want to sing in praise, gratitude and communion with the Earth and its People. So here is my favorite Christmas song ("The Holly and the Ivy") restored to its original Yule version. You may well find original Pagan versions of your own favorite songs online or in the library, or you may wish to simply look inward and “restore” the ancient song on your own. If you find a good one, or write your own, send it to me and I will post here. Good Yule to you!
The holly and the ivy / When they are both full grown / Of all the trees that are in the wood / The holly bears the crown.
Chorus: Oh, the rising of the sun / And the running of the deer / The shining of the winter stars / As the longer days draw near.
The holly bears a blossom / As white as any flower / As our Mother bears the infant Sun / In the winter's darkest hour.
(Chorus)
The holly bears a berry / As red as any blood / As our Father bears the hunter's spear / for His hungry children's good.
(Chorus)
The holly bears a prickle / As sharp as any thorn / As we shall bear our song of hope / On triumphant Yuletide morn.
(Chorus)
(photo notes: image of "the Holly King" from the internet, British origins)
