HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 32, 14 December 1945, Page 16 (Supplement)

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS

For countless years the holly has been associated with the blazing Yule log 5 and the Christmas feasting in the Northern Hemisphere t though we in the South know it only b3 T name at this time, of the year. From time immemorial it has been the good old custom in England to brighten up the interiors of church and hall y cottage and castle ; with boughs and sprigs ol' holly at Christinas. The favourite plants for church and home decoration included may ivy and with holly in the foremost place. A Nature writer tells us that the holly was dedicated to Saturn and as the fetes of that deity was. celebrated in the month of December and the Romans were accustomed to decorate their houses with holly the early Christians did so ? too, when they celebrated their festival of Chris.tmas, in order that they might observation. this be the true origin of the preference for holly with which to decorate a t Yuletide is not known but frt>m the earliest times of Christianity hol2y has played a conspicuous part in the festivities of the season. Q the holly tree branchy he is stout and strong^ And he fecks not if Winter be short or long ? For boldly he enters where mirth prevails, the Christinas board, at the Christmas tales ; But the mistletoe creeps like a poor, old fellow With blood so and with checks so yellow ; Yet let him but hide in the festive hall, And you'll find him the j oiliest guest of all. < The holly with its brilliant clusters of berries is a symbol in England of jollity and the Chirstmas spirit t and as such, is highly appreciated by all who love the festive season in true Dic'kensian manner. O LOVELY VOr-CES O lovely voices in the sky That hymned the Saviour's birth, Are ye not singing still on high AY T ho once sang Peace on earth? Still o'er us float those holy strains Wherewith in days gone by Ye blest the lowly Syrian swains O Voices of the sky ! O clear and shining light whose beams A heavenly radiance shed Around the and o'er the strearns # And on the. shepherds' heads, Be near through life, be near in death ? As in that holiest night Of of gladness and of l'aith, O clear and shining light! O star ? which led'st to Him whose love Brought down man's ransom free Thou still art midst the hosts above; W r e still may gaze on thee ! Tn heaven thy lightf;. doth never set Thy rays earth ma 3' not dim ; O send them forth to guide u& yet Bright star which led to Him !. -—Mrs Hemans.