Mistletoe and holly are common decorations during the holidays. They both come from Pagan celebrations that existed long before Christianity began and their legends are steeped in legends and mystery. People kiss under the mistletoe, but for what reason? Holly decorates houses and is incorporated into wreaths for doors. It is red and green, the colors of Christmas, but that is not the only reason for holiday use.
Ancient Roots
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. It grows up the trunks and branches of trees and takes the nutrients it needs from its host. Excessive amounts of mistletoe can kill a tree, but in most cases it only stunts the tree’s growth.
Holly stand alone as a tree or shrub. It can grow up to 40 feet high, but in most cases it stands at a few feet tall with leathery green leaves and red berries in the winter. Male holly that does not produce berries, but fertilizes the flowers of the female holly and in order to get berries, there must be a male specimen within an area.
Mistletoe leaves are green and are used, along with twigs to cure circulatory and respiratory problems. The resulting tinctures were also thought to be an antidote for poison even though the white berries are poisonous to humans. The leaves were steeped in hot water and given to people with fevers, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The berries are also poisonous to humans especially to children. The toxicity of both plants does not bother animals and both were given to cattle during the winter as feed. It was also to ensure fertility for the cattle.
Folklore
Both mistletoe and holly were sacred to the ancient druids. The harvest of mistletoe was accompanied by a celebration where a white sheet was spread over the ground and held just above while mistletoe was cut from the trees with a golden sickle during the waxing moon. The plant was never to touch the ground. Romans celebrated a December holiday of Saturnalia where they drank, danced and made merry in excess. Fertility rituals flourished under mistletoe, which probably led to the tradition of kissing beneath it. In Celtic mythology, the Holly King ruled from summer to the winter solstice. A battle ensued and the Oak King won the victory and ruled from the end of December until summer solstice.
Hanging mistletoe on the door of the house is said to protect the dwelling from fire while hanging holly outside the door protects it from lightening. Interestingly enough, science has showed that the spines on the holly leaf actually act as tiny conductors and protect nearby trees and dwellings from lightening strikes. Holly brought into the house during the holidays is said to keep evil away. Whoever brought the holly into the house first, husband or wife, would rule the roost for the year. All holly had to be removed from the house in spring, but it could still be connected to the house on the outside. Holly, planted at the door welcomed friends and repelled enemies and any evil or mischief. It was very bad luck to cut down a holly tree and even worse to burn it, however it was fine to prune a little off the branches to bring inside.
Both holly and mistletoe accompany the holiday season bringing beauty to the decorations. Kiss beneath the mistletoe and brighten the mantle with a sprig or two of holly to celebrate the season.
Deborah Harding - Deborah Harding has developed recipes, worked with herbs and written home school curriculum for over 20 years.
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