For the wedic 'europeans' here are some explanations about the rites of christmas (german):
Quote:This Solstice or Yule festival was once celebrated for twelve days. These were the Rauh or smoke nights, in which the yard, house and stable were fumigated with spicy herbs. And since the gods and ancestors are so close in the Julzeit, it was also a good opportunity to ask them for advice and to ask oracles. The spirits of the dead were also fed and invited to join in the celebrations. After the twelve holy nights the three goddesses came by - still in the Middle Ages they were known as the three Bethen: Ambeth, Wilbeth, Worbeth - and blessed each house for the coming year, before the strong golden-bristled boar of the benevolent Freyr pushed the yearly wheel with his power again. (The Jul boar lives on in the form of the lucky pig made of marzipan, which we give away at the New Year).
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