Solstice and Jól / Yule: Quick Thoughts

Some thoughts about Jól (Yule) and the question of whether the holiday actually coincided with the winter solstice or not (and whatever hǫkunótt / hökunótt means).

[gregcollins]

Dr. Crawford is out of his natural habitat and indoors.

[pandoradespain]

“create more and consume less” That’s better than what i thought of lol! My Yule oath is to read more books and study more of the things that interest me. I asked for some really cool books for the holidays that my family is going to get for me tomorrow so i’m excited to start honoring that oath immediately!

[ChristopherMorgenstierne]

'Hage' in Danish, 'haka' in Swedish is chin, but it is also a 'spit/peninsula' in the landscape, and (metaphorically) 'obstacle'. As a sailor, I have many times been beating upwind to round land and landgrounds named 'Something-hage'. So, when it is not a part of someone's lower forehead, it implies something like 'turning point', 'hinge'. So when the word 'hage-nat' came onto the screen, it immediately mad sense to me. For what that is worth...
- Useful is the outdated, but very comprehensive dictionary "Ordbog over det Danske Sprog" online (note the lovely plural -e endings of verbs that also our hymn book is full of 😊)

[yaseinbrat]

My Jol oath is to not give up on this life, though Ive felt like giving up a few times this last half of the year.
I appreciate what you put forth, JC. Skol!!

[yensid]

You two are so adorable. I really like "create more, consume less" I might poach it 😊

[johanpeturdam]

Gleðilig jól, Jackson og Lauren.

At drekka jól is a phrase still used somewhat in the Faroe Islands.

[Hannahclarehudson]

God Jul, Jackson and Lauren. SKAL to both your oaths. ❤️🎄🐐 excited to check out the online resource and older Yule video.

[CapriUni]

YouTuber Abby Cox (mostly fashion history /clothing reconstructions, but also culture in general) has a video out this year about Christmas, and talks about how, in Charles Dickens's time, "Merry" was a word associated with drunkenness. So the Yule Ale may be the most enduring of holiday traditions... My oath of this year is to finally write a series of interlocking short stories.

[dougpalmieri]

I found "The Lunisolar Calendar of the Germanic Peoples" by Andreas E. Zautner (Translated by Johanna Klapper) a very interesting read. Best Wishes from the UK.

[BlaBla-pfmf]

Having mid winter celebrations in late january - early february makes more sense than at winter solstice which is close to the beginning of the coldest period of the year.

[BrandoJulianWindsor]

God Jól Doc! All the best to you and your beloved!

[Alkimi]

Especially excellent rundown. thanks. Have a happy one!

[finbear]

The casual use of "vicissitudes" 🤩

[LisaLovesFugglers]

I've honestly not thought too much ahead. My mental health has not been great so far this year. I would love to be mentally stronger that's for sure.

[AlbertWalderhaug]

God Jul! Thanks very much for this, and wishes~

[chris]

My Solstice Oath is to reclaim my ancestral treasure from anyone who withholds it from me, be they fair or foul, friend or foe. I'm sure it won't end badly.

[theodorebear]

Happy holidays!🌲
I avoid making oaths, but I do try hard to be a good person.
I think that's an important trick I use because I don't have to worry about coming up short on my oaths but people are often impressed with my good actions when I can manage it because they know I haven't actually made an oath to act honorably.

[RoAdKil]

All the best to you and yours, Keep the Yule in Yuletide!

[danniseliger]

I can´t help thinking. hoku (chin) has a double meaning in modern Danish that I think goes back to viking times. The term is hage in Danish and I think that also has the meaning and (i think) root as hook in English. This would make hokunott into hooknight or night of the turn (-ing point). Winter solsitice night

[celeste]

Her haaaiiiirrr!!! 😍😍😍😍 My Solstice Resolutions are getting through a year of school to then transfer to CA or NH, to have lots of cash in da bank 💵 💰, also to send out the good intentions to those needing breakthroughs of all kinds in the new year!! We need it!! Happy Yule! Merry Christmas! Wassail!!!