uring rites in Europe were common during the Dark Ages, and the Yule Log is most likely another example of a Pagan Ritual being slowly converted into a Christian Tradition. On the darkest day of year, the Winter Solstice, peasants would light a large log on fire to help keep away the evil spirits as they waited through the longest night for the sun to rise.

This marked the sun's victory over darkness; the days would now grow longer. The cinders from the burnt log were thought to protect homes from lightning and the evil powers of the devil.

Later, as Christianity spread, the tradition become more closely associated with Christmas, especially in England where Father Christmas is often seen carrying the Yule Log.

In pagan times different woods were burned to produce different effects:

Aspen: invokes understanding of the grand design
Birch: signifies new beginnings
Holly: inspires visions and reveals past lives
Oak: brings healing, strength, and wisdom
Pine: signifies prosperity and growth
Willow: invokes the Goddess to achieve desires

Sources for the History of the Yule Log:

http://www.ridgenet.org/Szaflik/history.htm
http://www.bsu.edu/web/01bkswartz/xmaspub.html
http://crystalforest3.homestead.com/craftsYULELOG.html