The darkest nights of the year have long been the time for celebrations, from Yule and Mother Night, to Christmas and New Year's Eve. But where did these traditions come from? Who started kissing under the mistletoe? Why are trees decorated and brought into homes around this time of year? And how did the Romans bring in the New Year?

Today Kate is joined Betwixt the Sheets by Ronald Hutton to find out how these celebrations originated and developed, and just what has stayed the same.

Produced by Charlotte Long and Sophie Gee. Mixed by Charlotte Long.

Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society. A podcast by History Hit.

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