HEIGH-HO—THE HOLLY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20992, 20 December 1939, Page 5

HEIGH-HO —THE HOLLY

Alone in greenwood must I roam, Hollie, green hollie. A shade of green leaves is my home, Birk and green hollie ! The holly tree, if it is neglected in summer, certainly comes into its own in December, when its bright berries and glossy leaves make such an ideal decoration for our Christmas festivities. Curiously enough, it is the female holly tree that bears the berries so much prized. When in pre-Christian days the Druids cut down the mistletoe, which was our sacred plant, they did not neglect the holly tree, and it was valued at Yuletide. Early Christians, with their desire to make old pagan customs respectable, saw in the holly the thorns which pierced Christ’s brow, the red berries which were the drops of His blood. Thus they were sacred, as was the robin redbreast, upon whose breast fell some drops of the sacred blood. It is considered unlucky to take berried holly into the house before Christmas Eve. But to have a holly bush growing in one’s garden was to keep away witches and all who cast the evil eye. The old couplet— Rowan tree and red threid Send the witches on their speed—applied equally to the holly bush. Holly, to believe the Celt, warded off lightning, and in some parts of England shepherds consider it lucky if their ewes can see a holly bush before their lambs are born. If they can, each ewe brings forth twins. In spring the bees love the tender tops of the holly bush. We are all familiar with Southey’s poem on the holly tree. Perhaps this old Border ballad is not so well known Where nought is seen but boundless green, Hollin, green hollin ! And spots of far blue sky between, Birk and green hollin ! A weary head a pillow finds, Hollin, green hollin ! Where leaves fall green in summer winds, Birk and green hollin ! Enough for me, enough for me, Hollin, green hollin ! To live at large with liberty, Birk and green hollin !