loading
Loading

    Read more Contact me me for usage or prints
    beech twig

    Christmas Greenery

    Greenery has always been associated with winter and christmas.  This blog explores a little of the history surrounding how and why we bring plants like holly, mistletoe and ivy into our homes in the middle of winter.  It’s based on notes from a fascinating talk by IAPI.

    Greenery at Christmas: an overview

    The history of bringing greenery indoors pre-dates Romans.  In early times, evergreen plants represented new life in mid winter, and gave hope for the spring.  The Romans had a Saturn Festival at a similar time to Christimas, and decorated with greenery.  This was a wild event where roles were reversed and orgies were the norm.  It was the association with this which meant the Christian church was initially reluctant to have these plants indoors at Christmas.  However, in time, the use of greenery as Christmas decoration was accommidated into church tradition.

    Holly

    Traditionally, holly brings good luck.  The red berries are meant to detect and deter withches, goblins and spirits.  the plant is supposed to ward off thunder storms, too.

    greenery

    In Christian tradition, holly leaves are associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifiction.  The cross itself is fabled to be made from holly wood.  Christians also had it that all holly berries were red before Christ’s cruxifiction.  After that, the berries all turned scarlet, dyed with Jesus’s blood.

    The Kissing Bough

    Holly was one of two plants used to make a “kissing bough”.  (The other was Bay).  This was four wooden hoops joined together and decorated with foliage.  It would be put at the threshold of the home.  In its centre hung an apple, under a sprig of mistletoe.  Originally, this may have related to fertility.  Later, guests would hug theri hosts below the bough, to show they came in peace.

    It may well be the precursor to the more familiar wreath.

    Ivy

    Ivy tended to be kept outside of the house.  It was associated with femininity, and (in Roman times) with the wine god Bacchus.  This association is probably because ivy wood was used to filter poison from wine

    Somewhat insultingly, the associations with women are down to the clinging and feeble nature of the ivy plant.  It’s also associated with human weakness, and with death (probably as it makes itself at home on graves).

    This plant was also said to predict the future; if the ivy growing on your home withered, then disaster would come to the house

    Greenery

    (For more on painting ivy, check out my earlier blog)

    Mistletoe

    Mistletoe has always been associated with fertility, and attracted church disapproval for a long time.

    Druids believed mistletoe was a “cure all”, especially if it was gathered from an Oak with a golden sickle.  (This is obviously the reference seen in the Asterix The Gaul books!)

    greenery

    The protocol was as follows:

    1. Get and slaughter two white oxen

    2. Carefully gather your mistletoe with a golden sickle

    3. Catch the mistletoe before it touches the ground, in a cloth

    That’s it!  Your mistletoe should now ensure the fertility of your cattle and your women-folk.  It wils also cure epilepsy, deter witches, ease tootheache, and cure a snakebite.  So long as you don;t let it touch the ground.

    greenery

    Christmas Tree

    The tradition of the Christmas tree was introduced to Britain in Victorian times, by Prince Albert.

    However, in Germany the tradition of decorating fir trees dates back to as early as 1550.  It was also associated with the garden of Eden in Mummers plays.

    The greenery of the fir as long suggested rebirth and spring.  It also has Christian connotations.  Supposedly, Saint Wilfred felled a tree favoured by pagans.  In it’s place, a fir tree emerged.

    Greenery for all!

    I love the traditions associated with plants and social history.  Often they seem so strange, and wonderful.  I hope these snippets of information prove of interest as you haul in holly, mistletoe and Christmas trees over the next few weeks!

    For more of my Christmas blogs, please look at Botanical Illustrations and Christmas DecorationsChristmas botanical illustrations, and Step by Step illustration of a holly leaf.

    3 comments

    1. The topic of this article is an unforgettable escort experience for women. Escorts are a great way to enjoy a special night out or even just a few hours of companionship. Escort services provide a safe and secure way for women to explore their desires and fantasies without feeling judged or uncomfortable. With the right escort, a woman can feel comfortable, relaxed, and in control of her experience. HarlotHub is a free classified site similar to back page which offers a great selection of female escorts in the Mamphis area. This article will discuss some of the best ways to make sure you have an unforgettable escort experience.

      Research Your Options
      When looking for an escort, it is important to do your research. There are many different types of escort services and it is important to find one that meets your needs and expectations. Make sure to read reviews and check out websites to get a better understanding of the services they offer and the quality of their escorts.

      – Read online reviews
      – Check out websites
      – Ask for referrals
      – Make sure the service is reputable

      Set Clear Boundaries
      It is important to set clear boundaries and expectations before booking an escort. Make sure to discuss the services you are looking for and what you are and are not comfortable with. This will help ensure that your experience is safe and pleasurable.

      – Agree on services
      – Discuss boundaries
      – Talk about expectations
      – Make sure you are comfortable

      Communicate
      Communication is key when it comes to an unforgettable escort experience. Make sure to be clear about your expectations and communicate your needs throughout the experience. Also, it is important to respect the escort and treat them as you would any other person.

      – Be clear about expectations
      – Communicate your needs
      – Respect the escort
      – Treat them like any other person

      Take Precautions
      It is important to take the necessary precautions when booking an escort. Make sure to ask about screening procedures and background checks. Also, it is important to use protection and practice safe sex during the experience.

      – Ask about screening procedures
      – Ask for background checks
      – Use protection
      – Practice safe sex

      Where to find HarlotHub?
      HarlotHub is an online classified website similar to back page that offers female escorts in the Mamphis area. It is an easy-to-use website that provides a great selection of female escorts with detailed profiles. From there you can find the perfect escort for your needs and have an unforgettable experience.

      In conclusion, an unforgettable escort experience for women can be achieved by doing research, setting clear boundaries, communicating, and taking precautions. HarlotHub is a great option for female escorts in the Mamphis area and offers a great selection of escorts with detailed profiles. With the right preparation and research, you can have an unforgettable experience with an escort.

    2. I love this article! One thing I have recently found to be very interesting is the health benefits of pine needles. A tea was made from these that were incredibly high in vitamin C vitamin k vitamin d and e, all of which are desperately needed in the dead of winter.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Lizzie Harper