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Ho! Ho! Ho! The History of Christmas

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Yule Log

The custom of the Yule log was noted in France and Italy as far back as the 1200s. It later spread throughout Europe. On Christmas Eve, an enormous log would be cut and placed in the hearth. The log would be sprinkled with salt, oil, and mulled wine, and prayers said to protect the house from the devil and lightning.

Fun Fact: As iron stoves replaced giant hearths in the 1800s, Yule logs became decorative, often being used as Christmas centerpieces and decorated with evergreens and candles.

Photo source: istockphoto.com

Next: Candy Cane

More on: Christmas

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