As early as two thousand years before Christ Yule-tide was celebrated by the Aryans. They were sun-worshipers and believed the sun was born each morning, rode across the upper world, and sank into his grave at night. Day after day, as the sun's power diminished, these primitive people feared that he would eventually be overcome by darkness and forced to remain in the under world.

Yule-tide in Many Lands: Mary P. Pringle, Illustrated by L.J. Bridgman, Authored by Clara A. Uran

Beginning with the Yuletide festivals of the ancient world, The Celebration of Christmas In Europe and America: Yuletide Traditions From Many Lands shares a history of Christmas across Europe, exploring the Holiday customs of England, Germany (true source of the Christmas Tree!), Scandinavia (Lapland, Holland, Denmark), France, Italy, Russia and Spain. The chapter on Yule in Russia is especially poignant, as its writing predates the Bolshevik Revolution, offering a unique glimpse into that country's pre-Communist Christian roots. The final chapter is a surprising history of Christmas in Colonial America. First published in 1916, and reproduced in this quality reprint edition with all of the charming original illustrations intact, The Celebration of Christmas In Europe and America: Yuletide Traditions From Many Lands opens a wondrous window on the magic and beauty of the Christmas Season as it was understood and observed during the Victorian era.