yule etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: yule, from Old English: geōl, ġeohol, gihhel
  • Proto-Germanic: *jehwla-
  • Proto-Indo-European: *gʰʷʰel- ("to revolve")

Meaning:

  • A pagan festival celebrated by Germanic peoples in midwinter, around the winter solstice
  • The Christian festival of Christmas, which was celebrated around the same time as the pagan Yule festival

Origin:

The word "yule" has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European root *gʰʷʰel-, meaning "to revolve." This root is also found in the Latin word "sol," meaning "sun."

The pagan Yule festival was a celebration of the return of the sun after the winter solstice. It was a time for feasting, drinking, and gift-giving. The Christian festival of Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, was originally celebrated around the same time as the pagan Yule festival. Over time, the Christian festival absorbed many of the traditions of the pagan festival, including the name "Yule."

Today, the word "yule" is often used to refer to the Christmas season, particularly in the context of Christmas carols and other festive traditions. It is also used in the names of many Christmas-themed objects, such as yule logs and yuletide greetings.

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