Many superstitions surrounded the log: it had to be ignited the first time a flame was put to it or bad luck would surely follow. It had to be lit with a stick saved from the fire from the year before or the house would burn down,  and unless charcoal from the great fire was kept under the family beds for the following year, the house might be struck by lightning. 

Choices about the variety of wood, the way in which it was lit and the length of time it took to burn constituted a ritual which could vary from region to region.

The custom of the Yule log, which dates back to the 12th century, was known in most European countries, notably in France and in Italy where the Yule log was called a ceppo. This tradition persisted in Quebec as it did in France up until the last quarter of the 14th century. Its disappearance coincides with that of great hearths which were gradually replaced by cast-iron stoves. The huge log was gradually replaced by a smaller one. As time went on, it was often embellished with candles and greenery and placed in the center of the table as a Christmas decoration.