Do you know the origin of the traditional Christmas log?

The perfect ending to your Christmas Eve should be eating a slice of Christmas log! This traditional holiday dessert will be on the table of most Quebec families, and has been for several decades. But where does this tradition come from? Why a log and not the whole tree?

To understand its meaning, you have to go back more than 2,000 years ago. At that time, several European countries including the Germanic, Celtic and Scandinavian peoples celebrated the winter solstice in a manner of their own.

On the shortest day of the year, they lit a huge tree stump and it had to burn until the New Year, ideally during a 12-day cycle. According to their beliefs, this fire was a way to welcome the New Year while ensuring a good harvest season.

Over time, the tradition was adjusted to modern days, since we have swapped fire for sugar.

To the delight of all, the first edible log was invented by our cousins ​​the French at the end of the 19th century. However, it was not until the middle of the 20th century that this pastry made its way in our homes. Today, there’s a wide choice of Christmas logs in supermarkets and bakeries. Others will rather make their own as per their family recipe. Anyhow, this Christmas tradition is far from disappearing!