Happy Holly (And Ivy)-Day Holidays

One year long ago, my dear sister in law gave me a little book, signed by the author, Adelma Grenier Simmons (1903-1997). It was titled A Merry Christmas Herbal (1968) and was full of lore, garden and craft ideas and recipes using herbs. She owned and operated Caprilands Herb Farm in Coventry, Connecticut for over 55 years and was considered to be the First Lady Of Herbs. This book is a treasure beyond measure, as is the one who gifted it. The knowledge contained within the now yellowing pages opened a door for me to Herb Gardening, I am still learning more about these wonderful plants.

Among the chapters was information about the history of the use of holly, Ilex ssp. through the ages. It was fascinating to learn how the many plants were used at Caprilands for Christmas. Here is a tidbit of what Ms. Simmons wrote about holly:

.. Considered anathema to witches, holly was hung over doorways, in windows, and next to the chimney, lest a witch enter through these openings. The Druids, who venerated the sun, held holly sacred since the sun never deserted its evergreen leaves.

According to Pliny the Elder, it was a plant of many virtues–growing near a house, it afforded protection from lightning and witchcraft; it repelled poison. The flowers caused water to freeze, the wood thrown at an animal compelled it to lie down beside the stick. Whoever first brought holly into the house, husband or wife, ruled for the year.

At first considered a Pagan plant inappropriate to Christian homes and churches, holly was later thought to have sprung up under the footsteps of Christ. Its thorny leaves and red berries represented his sufferings. Supposedly the crown-of-thorns was made from holly, and the white berries turned red with Christ’s blood.

About ivy she wrote:

Ivy has been associated with wine for centuries. It crowned the brow of Bacchus, the young Greek god of wine–and all his lively followers–for ivy was thought to prevent intoxication. In Elizabethan times, ivy above tavern entrances indicated that superior drink was served. …As late as the nineteenth century, a Dr. Fernie wrote, “a Decoction of the leaves and berries will mitigate a servere headache, such as that which follows hard drinking over night.” So with a wreath of ivy encircling our punch bowl, we continue an ancient tradition, with a slightly different means of giving ivy for Christmas.

Inspired by these passages and looking outside at the various hollies growing here, we grabbed the felcos, after spotting them lying on the ground behind the knot garden. How that happened is a mystery. Anyway, evergreens, berried branches and long pieces of variegated ivy were snipped and spread on the knot garden bench to be assembled into outdoor decorations, including the wreath hanging on the shed window featured at the beginning of this post.

“The Holly And The Ivy” by Cecil Sharp*

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
O, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom,
As white as lily flow’r,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear Saviour: Refrain
The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good: Refrain

The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn: Refrain

The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all: Refrain

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown: Refrain
The Holly and the Ivy!

*The version of “The Holly and the Ivy” that we are familiar with today was first published by Cecil Sharp. The song is thought to have Pagan origins and could therefore date back over 1000 years. It is most unusual for a carol like this to have survived over the years, especially during the stern protestant period of the 17th century. These plants have always been taken indoors during the winter with the hope being that the occupants would survive the difficult conditions, just like the hardy holly and ivy. The colors of green and red are traditionally associated with Christmas. The true author and composer of “The Holly and the Ivy” are unknown.

And so we at the Fairegarden want to wish to all of you a very happy Holly and Ivy Day to help celebrate both the Winter Solstice and Christmas!

Frances

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~ by fairegarden on December 21, 2011.