Hanging Christmas Greens

Each year we hang greens around the house, both inside and out. We do it because it is in our memory banks, never questioning why the tradition exists, or at least that applies to me. Well,  here’s the popular “why” behind the tradition.

The holly, ivy and beautiful Christmas plants were originally used in pre-Christian times to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and ward off evil spirits and celebrate new growth. After the widespread adoption of Christianity, England and Germany continued the use of the greenery as decorations.

The prickly leaves of the holly, known as the Christ Thorn in Scandinavia, represents the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when crucified. The berries are indicative of drops of blood shed by Jesus while wearing the thorns. Since Ivy has to cling to something for support, it represents our need to cling to God for our support. Laurel was worn as a wreath on the head representing success and victory. Fir and yew trees are evergreen and so signify everlasting life with God. Rosemary was thought to be the Virgin Mary’s favorite plant and protection from evil spirits. It is also sometimes called the remembrance herb, reminding us of the birth of Jesus.

Wreaths have been around for a long time. In Roman times, wreaths were hung on doors as a sign of victory. Roman emperors also wore Laurel wreaths, as did winners of events in the early Olympic Games in Greece. But, Christmas wreaths may have started life as kissing boughs or Advent wreaths. In England, before Christmas trees became popular, a popular form of Christmas or midwinter decoration was the kissing bough. They were made of five wooden hoops creating the shape of a ball. The hoops were covered with holly, ivy, rosemary, bay, fir or other evergreen plants. Red apples hung from red ribbons were placed inside the hoops and a candle was put inside the ball or on the horizontal hoop. A large bunch of mistletoe was hanging from the bottom of the ball.

Traditionally decorations were removed after Twelfth Night (5th January) on Epiphany (January 6th). However, during the Middle Ages, greenery (including mistletoe) was left hanging up until Candlemas (Christians’ celebration of baby Jesus going to the Jewish Temple) in early February!

I love to keep my greens around into February, so now I have an answer when my children question the wisdom of such an action. Have a very merry Christmas!