Christmas Ivy
Ivy has been a symbol of eternal life in the pagan world
and then came to represent new promise and eternal life
in the Christian world. Ivy is more of an English
Christmas green than an American one. It is considered a
feeble clinging plant, rather feminine in nature, not at
all like the masculine sturdy holly leaf. It was the
ancient symbol of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry.
Laurel
Among the Romans who remained pagan, the laurel leaf was
sacred to the sun god Apollo. In the Christian sect it
came to symbolize the triumph of Humanity as represented
by the Son Man. Bay is also a name used for laurel. As
the bay tree, the true laurel of the Ancients, is scarce
in England. Substitutions such the common cherry laurel,
the Portugal laurel, the Aucuba and others are often
used. A British Christmas carol about the three kings
leans heavily on the word "laurel".
"We
come walking with our staves, wreathed with laurel: We
seek the King Jesus, Him that saves, To Bring Him
laurel..."
Rosemary
Rosemary is yet another Christmas green. Though now it
is used to mainly season foods, during the Middle Ages
it was spread on the floor at Christmas. As people
walked on it, the fragrant smell arose filling the
house. The story associated with the shrub is that Mary
laid the garments of the Christ Child on its branches
and caused it to have such a wonderful aroma. It is also
said that rosemary is extremely offensive to evil
spirits, thus, being well suited to the advent of their
Conqueror. The name rosemary is given, too, an
association to the Virgin Mary's name, making it all the
more fitting for the Christmas season.
