The food peculiar to this season of rejoicing has retained many
features of the feasting recorded among the earlier people. The boar
made his appearance in mythological circles when one was offered as a
gift to Frey, god of rain, sunshine, and the fruits of the earth. This
boar was a remarkable animal; he could run faster than a horse,
through the air and over water. Darkness could not overtake him, for
he was symbolical of the sun, his golden bristles typifying the sun's
rays.

At one time the boar was believed to be emblematical of golden grain,
as he was the first to teach mankind the art of plowing. Because of
this service he was most revered by our mythological ancestors.

In an account of a feast given in Valhalla to the dead heroes of many
battles, Saehrimnir, a sacred boar, was served. Huge pieces were
apportioned to the deceased heroes and the meat had such a revivifying
effect that, restored to life, they called for arms and began to fight
their battles over again.

An abundance of heavenly mead made from goats' milk and honey was
provided for the feasts and on occasions ale, too, was served.

Toasts were usually drunk in honor of Bragi, god of poetry, eloquence,
and song. The gods pledged themselves to perform remarkable deeds of
courage and valor as they tossed off horn after horn of mead and ale.
Each time their mighty valor grew until there was no limit set to
their attainments. It is possible that their boastful pledges may have
given rise to the term, _to brag._

Apples were the favorite fruit, as they prevented the approach of age
and kept the gods and goddesses perpetually young and vigorous.

Certainly Yule-tide was a very merry season among the ancient people
who feasted, drank, and danced in honor of the return of the sun, the
god of light and new life.

When messengers went through the various countries bearing tidings of
a new religion and of the birth of a Son who brought light and new
life into the whole world, they endeavored to retain as many of the
established customs as possible, but gave to the old-time festivals a
finer character and significance.

As the fact of Christ's birth was not recorded and there was no
certainty as to its date, the early Christian Fathers very wisely
ascribed it to Yule-tide, changing the occasion from the birthday of
the sun to that of the Son. For a while the birth of Christ was
celebrated on dates varying from the first to the sixth of January; on
the