In the UK we have many traditions which date back thousands of years, and around the festive period many of them are based around the trees and plants native to the British Isles. Here are three old stories and customs that you might have heard of…
Mistletoe, the Sacred Bough – This is a plant that has long been associated with Christmas. Growing in the depths of winter, mistletoe can be found around midwinter in the branches of trees, such as poplar, apple tree and the oak tree. The Druids believed that the mistletoe found growing in the oak tree branches was the most sacred of all, and as it had no roots touching the ground was believed to be the bridge between the other world and this one. Known as all heal, the mistletoe would be cut on the 23rd of December, the day of a year and a day as it was known, and never allowed to touch the ground as the magic would then be lost.
Many people still bring mistletoe into their home and hang it on this day, replacing it the following year, and it is said to bring health and happiness into the home.
The Holly King and the Oak King – This is a tale which spans back for millennia, featuring two of the most revered trees native to the British Isles. Nowadays, we know of oak and its fantastic building properties for things like these oak garages https://www.timberpride.co.uk/oak-framed-garages/ and holly of course is a traditional Christmas favourite, however this story is about the two feuding brothers – the holly king and the oak king. It is said that each rules their own half of the year – from the midsummer solstice, the holly king reigns supreme, having defeated his brother in battle at the height of his powers. From then the days get shorter. However, on the midwinter solstice, the oak king defeats his brother, and the days gradually start to grow longer once again as he returns the light.
Wassailing – This is an ancient custom that was performed in the British Isles to give thanks to the apple trees that have provided the fruits that year. People would go into the orchards and sing to the apple trees and dance around them to bring good fortune and to scare off any malevolent spirits that might be lurking in the orchard.
People would also toast the trees with cider or wine and feed the liquid to the boughs of the trees to promote good health and growth for the coming year.