Going Green For Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us and families everywhere have been busy decorating homes. Long before tinsel and glass baubles, our forefathers gathered from the greenwood for an altogether more naturalistic display. 

(Our English yew (Taxus baccata) looking positively freezing) 

Our native evergreens holly (Ilex aquifolium) and ivy (Hedera helix), along with the parasitic mistletoe became mystical plants. Whilst the harshest winters strip the surrounding trees of both foliage and dignity, these plants stood as green beacons of hope. If these plants could survive winter, then perhaps our ancestors surely might? 

Mistletoe was one considered so sacred, that only druids were allowed to cut it with a golden sickle. It was so mistrusted that it was not allowed in churches. Holly is said to recall the crown of thorns worn by Christ on his way to crucifixion. 

(Frosted Ilex aquifolium) 

(Variegated Ilex) 

In Shropshire, a piece of ivy was fed to animals before midday on Christmas to ward off evil spirits for the year ahead. Slowly, all religious and pagan connotations became intertwined. 

The yule log, introduced by Vikings was a log cut from the forests and bought into the dwelling to burn on midwinters day and burn through the period of Yule. The tradition still survives today, but in the form of a cake that we eat at Christmas. 

Winter can be the bleakest of times, and Christmas offers a welcome respite. Greenery in both the home and garden make the journey through the coldest months a little easier to bear. Planting evergreens provide welcome winter interest, as well as form and structure through out the year. 

Whichever way you choose to enjoy your Christmas, be it turkey and tinsel or goose and greenery, I hope it is joyous and peaceful. 

Merry Christmas. 

Copyright © Mark Beards 2023 mbeardsgardening.blogspot.com