Christmas block
A Christmas log , also called a Christmas log, Christbrand or Christmas block, is a consecrated block of wood that is placed in the fireplace on Christmas Eve .
This Christmas custom can be found in many European cultures. Names are also wood log, Mettenstock, Julblock ( Scandinavia ) or Yule Log. The Christmas block is made of oak or ash wood .
The roots of the custom go back to pre-Christian times. The Yule log was lit by the hearth fire around the winter solstice , and it was a blessing to keep it burning during the rough nights . The ashes were scattered on the fields and in the animal fodder because they were said to have healing powers.
The Christians initially forbade these customs; Bishop Martin von Bracara († around 580) forbade the sacrifice of field crops and wine over a block of wood in the stove, and Bishop Pirmin († around 753) renewed the ban. Gradually, however, the custom was combined with the Christian light and tree symbolism at Christmas. In the 12th century it was anchored in Christian customs. From Christmas to Epiphany, the Christmas log remained in the fireplace around which one sat; it was part of the Christmas peace. The ashes were spread over the fields, the remains of the log were supposed to protect against misfortune throughout the year and were used to light the Christmas log the following year. Anyone who was allowed to fell the tree for the festive block was safe from harm. It also brought blessings to greet the tree trunk as it was transported home.
See also: Bûche de Noël
Individual evidence
- ↑ Manfred Becker-Huberti : Celebrations, festivals, seasons. Living customs all year round. Special edition. Freiburg-Basel-Vienna 2001, ISBN 3-451-27702-6 , p. 144.
- ↑ Manfred Becker-Huberti: Celebrations, festivals, seasons. Living customs all year round. Special edition. Freiburg-Basel-Vienna 2001, ISBN 3-451-27702-6 , pp. 144f.