What is the English word for "jul" and why is this month so special?

英语学习 2023-04-18 14:13 71

摘要:WhatistheEnglishwordfor"jul"andwhyisthismonthsospecial?Assomeonewhogrewupspeakin...

As someone who grew up speaking and writing in Swedish, I've always found it fascinating how different languages can have such unique, often whimsical names for certain months or holidays. Case in point: the Swedish word "jul", which refers to the month of December and all of the festive traditions that come with it. But what is the English word for "jul", and why is this month so special? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the origins and significance of this beloved Scandinavian holiday.

The origins of "jul"

To understand the origins of "jul", we must go all the way back to ancient Scandinavia, where "jul" was originally a pagan celebration of the winter solstice. This was a time when the days were short and the nights were long, and people depended on the success of the coming harvest for survival. As such, celebrations centered around the idea of driving away evil spirits and bringing good luck for the new year.

Over time, "jul" became more closely associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas, which was introduced to Scandinavia in the tenth century. While "jul" traditions continued to be observed alongside Christian ones, many of the pagan elements gradually faded away. Today, "jul" is largely synonymous with Christmas, and the two terms are used interchangeably in Swedish.

The English equivalent of "jul"

So what is the English word for "jul"? The answer, as it turns out, is a bit complicated. In modern English, we simply call this month "December", which comes from the Latin word decem, meaning "ten". However, in Old English, the month was known as ?rra Geola, or "before Yule". This reflects the Anglo-Saxon tradition of celebrating the winter solstice with its own pagan holiday, called "Yule". Over time, the Christian celebration of Christmas largely eclipsed these pagan rituals, and "Yule" became largely synonymous with "Christmas" in English.

The significance of "jul" today

Despite its pagan roots, "jul" remains an incredibly beloved holiday in Scandinavia, marked by a number of unique traditions and customs. Advent calendars and candlesticks adorn homes and churches, "julbord" feasts are shared with family and friends, and "julklappar" presents are exchanged on Christmas Eve. Perhaps most iconic of all is the "julbock" or "yule goat", a traditional Scandinavian ornament made from straw or wood.

So why is "jul" still so important today, even among those who may not adhere to its pagan origins? For many, it's simply a time to come together with loved ones, reflect on the year gone by, and look forward to the promise of a new one. Even as the world changes and traditions evolve, the spirit of "jul" continues to resonate across languages and cultures alike.

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