holly was venerated

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 98, 17 December 1970, Page 3 (Supplement)

holly was venerated

6f

Modern man is apt to take holly for granted, although it is much admired, and used, during the Christmas Season. Yet even before the coming of the Christchild, holly held a niche unique in the history of men's relationship with plants. Writings of the Greeks and Romans record the giving of holly branches and wreaths on happy occasions. Wedding guests brought holly to the newly married couple as an expression of their good wishes, and boughs were frequently given as gifts to friends to signify goodwill. Its lustrous leaves and glossy berries enlivened pagan revels throughout Europe, most notably the notorious Roman festival of Saturnalia. Householders from the frozen North to the Mediterranean isles brought holly into their dwellings to protect themselves from evil spirits. They considered it a haven for friendly fairies of the forest during the winter's cold, dark days. Branches were put in the barns, too, because its cheery brightness was believed to make the cattle thrive despite the bleak weather. Persia's followers of Zoroaster believed the holly tree casts no shadow. They made a tea of holly leaves for use in religious ceremonies. In Germany, holly was called Christdorn, for it was thought

that the crucifixion wreath was made of holly. In England, he who trod on holly berries was eursed with bad luck, for the rqbin Who Ioves these berries was said to have plucked the thorns from Christ's brow. This was how he got his red breast, according to ancient legend.