What in the world makes a log a yule log? I can remember campfires where we joked about great big logs being "the yule log" and you hear about it during the holidays, but what is it? I've also seen log-shaped cakes called yule logs, confusing the topic even more.

The yule log has its origins in pagan rituals in Europe surrounding the winter solstice. In ancient times, winter was truly a scary time. It was dark and cold, and sickness often took many lives. Rituals for winter solstice, the longest night of the year, usually incorporated light and the promise of spring and new life. The yule log is among them.

The tradition had regional variances in Europe, but all in some way linked the yule log to health, fruitfulness and productivity of the home. It was part of the larger celebration of yule.

Yule begins the night before the winter solstice and continues for 13 nights, concluding about Jan. 6, which Christians now refer to as Twelfth Night. Pagans believed the spirit world became very close to our world at winter solstice and through the celebration of the yule. Lights and feasting were part of the merriment.

One ritual was the burning of the yule log, which was traditionally oak. The pagan traditions linked this to their veneration of trees and sacrifices to honor the gods. Ideally, a log was chosen that was large enough to burn for the entire yule celebration. Legends dictate a yule log may not be purchased; it must be found on your or your neighbor's property.

The lighting of the log symbolized the coming of more sunlight after the solstice, and the firelight was believed to scare away evil or mischievous spirits that may roam the earth during yule. Ashes and fragments of the yule log that remain in the home through the year are thought to bring luck and protection. Some traditions require a fragment of the previous year's yule log be used to light the current year's log. Others attach decorations and good wishes for luck in the new year to the log.

The French came up with a far more delicious version of the yule log in the late 1700s or early 1800s, when pastry chefs created a cake version of the yule log. They called it Buche de Noel, and it became a wildly popular Christmas dessert. Many bakeries offer this tasty cake at holiday time.

The ancient pagans may have had some wild beliefs about spirits and sacrifices to the gods, but ultimately, their wish was no different from any modern person's. They simply wanted protection and luck in the coming year. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want that today. Their feasts and lights brightened dark winter days and reminded them that spring would come. We do the same thing today, lighting our houses and celebrating with family and friends during the holidays.

I don't have room to burn a yule log, but I'll be lighting some candles and hoping for a peaceful new year this holiday season. I hope peace finds all of you this holiday season as well.

Jennifer A. Nelson is a unit educator in horticulture for the University of Illinois Extension.