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Wreaths, Holly and Mistletoe
The Christmas wreath, like the evergreens used as Christmas trees, symbolizes the strength of life overcoming the forces of winter. In ancient Rome, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory and celebration. The custom of hanging a Christmas wreath on the front door of the home probably came from this practice.
Mistletoe is an evergreen plant with dark leaves and shiny white berries. Ancient Celtic priests considered the plant sacred and gave people sprigs of it to use as charms. It is said to have miraculous qualities. Mistletoe has the power to heal diseases, give fertility to humans and animals, and bring good luck and great blessings.
The custom of decorating homes with mistletoe probably came from it's use as a ceremonial plant by early Europeans. Ancient Druids regarded any Oak tree with Mistletoe growing on it as sacred and ritually cut the Mistletoe with a golden knife. Today, Mistletoe as a decoration has always been hung from the ceiling in a doorway or focal point in the home.
In many countries, a person standing under a sprig of mistletoe may be kissed. Lovers kissing beneath the Mistletoe have the promise of marriage and happiness.
The custom of kissing under the Mistletoe is linked to pagan fertility rites but may also be connected to the ancient custom of hanging Mistletoe over the doorway as a symbol of peace.
Holly is an evergreen tree with sharply pointed, glossy leaves and red berries. It is used in making Christmas wreaths and other decorations. The needlelike points of the leaves and the blood red berries were thought to resemble the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified. The very name Holly is believed to be derived from the word "Holy".
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When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow, We hear sweet voices ringing from lands of long ago, And etched on vacant places Are half-forgotten faces Of friends we used to cherish, and loves we used to know.
--Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to when Christians were persecuted for saying Mass. A simple candle in the window meant that Mass would be celebrated there that night.
