Holiday Plants Have Tales To Tell

Can you think of mistletoe and holly without thinking of Christmas? I can’t. But many of the plants associated with the holiday season played roles in ancient legends and rituals long before the advent of Christ. As Christianity gained a foothold, plant lore changed to reflect Christian symbolism and teachings.

 

Many holiday plants originally shared the same symbolism-they were part of winter solstice celebrations. Winter solstice is December 21, the shortest day of the year. On or near the solstice ancient peoples celebrated the return of longer days, and asked the gods to bestow on them fortitude to survive the harsh winter.

 

For Romans, December 17 to 24 was the season of Saturnalia, a seven day festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. Romans worshiped Saturn by exchanging gifts, lighting candles, decorating with evergreens and hanging wreaths. Holly sprigs, thought to repel evil spells and lightening, were sent to friends.

 

Evergreens, like mistletoe and holly were often thought to be sacred because of their everlasting green. As a result they were brought indoors to give the family strength.

 

Europeans believed that evergreens harbored woodland spirits searching for shelter. By bringing evergreens inside, they believed they were offering the sprits a safe haven.

 

Mistletoe probably has more Christmas legends behind it than any other plant. The Druids, who called mistletoe “all-heal”, believed that the plant was a harbinger of health and good luck. Both were bestowed on people who kissed while beneath it. In time the church claimed mistletoe for its own, teaching that the plant represented Christ as the divine healer.

 

Holly also has a place in Christian teachings. In Scandinavia holly is referred to as “Christ-thorn”. Another common belief is that holly berries were white before being stained by the blood of Christ.

 

Vikings, on the other hand, are responsible for the Yule log. At their solstice feast, named Yuletide, they burned fires as a rite to insure good crops. Embers from the Yule log were saved to kindle the following year’s fire.

 

Christmas trees, too, have ancient ties. Some scholars say that Christmas trees evolved from the time when Celtic proests decorated oak trees with apples to affirm life. During Saturnalia in Rome , evergreen trees were decorated with candles in praise of the god of light.

 

Later, during the 1500’s a popular Christian mystery play performed during December told of the fall of Adam and Eve. Stage scenery featured a Tree of Life, usually decorated evergreen. According to the story, the Tree of Life, which stood in the Garden of Eden, had broadleaves and blossoms until Eve ate of its fruit, at which point the leaves were reduced to needles.

 

Holiday plant legends abound. Holly, mistletoe and evergreen trees and shrubs are a few among many plants that bear symbolic connections to the season of joy, prosperity and fellowship. As you enjoy Christmas trimmings this year, take delight in all the tradition and lore that surrond them.

 

Call the UNH Cooperative Extension's Family, Home & Garden Education Center 's Info-Line toll-free at 1-877-3984769 for "Practical Solutions to Everyday Questions." Trained volunteers are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm .

 

By Margaret Hagen, Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension, Hillsborough County