Deck the Halls
Winter solstice traditions and symbolism of the evergreen plants
In the Southern Hemisphere, as the winter solstice approaches, many of us are immersed in the preparations for this special time of year, decorating our homes with vibrant evergreens and organising festive feasts. Personally, I find solace in the quiet moments of the winter solstice night, where I light candles and express gratitude for the turning of the season. I usually reserve my solstice feast for the weekend, so I can take the time to make and savour the traditional recipes shared in my previous post on the Winter Solstice Traditions of the Ancient Celts, Romans, and Germanic People. I don’t start decking the halls with evergreens, or put the tree and lights up until the 1st of July, which for me marks the start of Yuletide and the eagerly anticipated arrival of mid-winter, celebrated with a Yule party. The articles scheduled for July are all dedicated to the traditions and symbols related to the celebration of Yule. There is so much to cover that I’ve had to split it into four articles for each day in the lead up to the winter solstice.
19 June (today) - Deck the Halls: Winter solstice traditions and symbolism of the evergreen plants
20 June - The Origins of Christmas: Traditions borrowed from the old winter solstice and Nordic Yule Celebrations
21 June - Join the Feast: the culinary customs of winter solstice, Christmas and Yule
22 June - Wassailing, carolling and the Meri Lwyd
To get into the spirit, here’s my favourite version of my top five seasonal songs, Deck the Halls with Nat King Cole…
The origins of Deck the Halls can be traced back to the traditional Welsh New Year's Eve song called Nos Galan. The melody of the song is based on a Welsh folk tune, and the original lyrics are sung in Welsh. However, the English lyrics to Deck the Halls were not penned until 1861 by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant. It wasn’t until 1881 that Deck the Halls was first published in a book of Welsh Melodies compiled by John Thomas, which included both the Welsh and English versions of the song.
Watch a cheeky short clip about the origins of Deck the Halls, fa la la la la…
Now join me as we embark on a journey to explore the reason for decking the halls, the enchanting world of evergreens.
Winter brings with it a magical transformation, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, as nature blankets itself in a shimmering coat of frost and snow. Amidst the chilly air and frosty landscapes, evergreen trees and plants stand tall, defying the season's dormancy. These resilient symbols of life have long held a special place in our hearts and traditions during the winter season. The tradition of decorating the inside of homes with evergreens during Christmas or Yule, is a cherished practice that has deep historical roots, which we explored in a previous article about Winter Solstice Traditions of the Ancient Celts, Romans, and Germanic People. Let’s take a closer look at some of these evergreen symbols.
Connifers
Connifer trees held significant importance for the Celts, Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The Celts considered the pine tree, especially the Scots pine, a sacred tree with powerful symbolism. It was believed to be a source of wisdom, protection, and vitality. During the winter solstice, the Celts decorated their homes and sacred spaces with pine branches and cones. They believed that the pine's evergreen nature represented eternal life and the ability to survive through harsh winters. The pine tree also played a role in Celtic mythology, where it was associated with the goddess Cailleach, who personified winter and rebirth.
For the Germanic peoples, particularly the Norse, conifer tree, particularly the Nordic Spruce held significance during their Yule celebrations. The Norse believed that the evergreen trees were favored by the gods as they remained green and vibrant even during the cold winter months. These trees symbolised the persistence of life amid the harshness of winter and were seen as a connection to the divine. As part of their Yule traditions, the Germanic peoples would bring evergreen trees into their homes and decorate them with ornaments, candles, and small carved figures representing gods, spirits, and ancestors. This tradition persisted in Scandinavia as well as in Germany, although the symbolism of the tree and its decorations were given meanings that better aligned with the Christian religion. We will explore the history of the Yule and Christmas tree in a future article.
Pine Cones
The German tradition of silver pine cones, known as Silberzapfen in German, is rooted in folklore and superstition. According to the legends, silver pine cones are believed to possess magical properties and bring good luck and prosperity to those who possess them. The tradition dates back to medieval times and is particularly associated with the Bavarian and Tyrolean regions of Germany.
One popular story behind the silver pine cones involves the legend of the Wolpertinger, a mythical creature said to inhabit the forests of Bavaria. The Wolpertinger is a fantastical creature, resembling a combination of different animals like a rabbit, bird, and deer, with antlers. It is said that the Wolpertinger guards the precious silver pine cones, hiding them deep within the forest. It is considered a stroke of luck to stumble upon these rare pine cones, as they are believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
In some versions of the story, it is said that the silver pine cones can only be found on a full moon night during the winter solstice. Those who are lucky enough to discover them are said to gain special powers or have their wishes granted. Today, the tradition of silver pine cones continues to be celebrated in certain regions of Germany, where they are crafted and sold as decorative items for the Christmas markets. They are often made from real pine cones that are carefully painted or coated with silver paint or glitter, giving them a shimmering appearance. Blown glass silver pine cone ornaments are a populare Christmas tree decoration.
You can read the folktale of The Silver Pine Cones, from the Harz Mountains in Germany here. It is also one of the stories included in my favourite seasonal book Winter Tales: Stories form Around the World.
Holly
Both Celtic and Germanic cultures incorporated holly into their festive traditions. It was commonly used as a decoration during winter celebrations, particularly for the winter solstice and Christmas. Holly branches were hung on doors and windows, bringing good fortune and warding off negativity. The vibrant red berries added a touch of color and vitality to the otherwise barren winter landscape.
For the ancient Celts, holly was associated with protection and vitality. Its evergreen nature made it a symbol of enduring life force during the harsh winter months. The sharp, spiky leaves of holly were believed to repel evil spirits and safeguard against malevolent forces. It was also associated with fertility and the renewal of life, often connected to the celebration of the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. Modern day Celtic druids embrace the legend of the Holly King and the Oak King who engage in a seasonal battle with winter represented by the Holly King and summer represented by the Oak King. The origins of the story are not known, but are claimed to have been passed down from pre-Christian oral traditions and were present in Medieval motifs.
In Germanic folklore, holly was regarded as a sacred plant and was associated with the god Thor. It was believed to have protective properties and was often used to ward off evil spirits and lightning strikes. Holly was also connected to the celebration of Yule, where it symbolised hope and the promise of new beginnings. Its bright red berries represented the life force within the winter landscape.
With the advent of Christianity, holly took on additional meanings that aligned with the story of Jesus Christ. The prickly leaves of holly were said to represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion, and the red berries symbolized his blood. Thus, holly became associated with Christ's sacrifice and the promise of salvation.
The song The Holly King writtend and sung by UK folk singer Kate Rushby, tells the story of the Holly King, who waits for his winter queen. It is a truly beautiful song and my favourite of all the winter season songs on my playlist. Listen to it below.
Ivy
Ivy holds a significant place in the winter solstice traditions of the Celtic and Germanic peoples, symbolizing resilience, protection, and everlasting life. In Celtic mythology, ivy was associated with the winter season and often depicted as a companion to the holly. It was believed that while the holly represented the masculine aspect of winter, the ivy embodied the feminine qualities. Together, they represented the balance of energies during the dark and cold months.
The evergreen nature of ivy, with its ability to thrive even in harsh conditions, made it a powerful symbol of endurance and tenacity. It was seen as a guardian against negative forces and a source of protection for homes during the winter season. Celtic and Germanic people would adorn their dwellings with ivy wreaths, garlands, and other decorative elements, both inside and outside, as a way to invoke these protective qualities.
As the traditions surrounding the winter solstice merged with Christian celebrations, It became associated with the story of Jesus' birth, representing humility and clinging to faith. Ivy leaves were sometimes incorporated into Christian Christmas decorations, alongside holly, to symbolize the intertwined themes of life, hope, and the enduring power of nature.
The pairing of holly and ivy is an old pre-Christian symbol of the winter season, that has survived even in modern-day Christian mythology, though its symbolism was modified to align with the Christian faith. The mixing of the old pre-Christian and new Christian symbolism for holly and ivy is particularly distinct in the Christmas carol, The Holly and the Ivy.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on various trees, such as oak, apple, and hawthorn. It is characterized by its smooth, leathery leaves and small, white berries. Mistletoe held great significance and was considered sacred by many ancient cultures.
In Celtic and Druidic traditions, mistletoe was believed to possess healing and magical properties. It was seen as a symbol of fertility, vitality, and divine blessings. The white berries of mistletoe were seen as representing the essence of the male reproductive force or semen. This association was likely linked to the plant's ability to bear fruit even during the winter months when other vegetation was dormant. It symbolised the potency and fertility of nature even in the midst of darkness and cold. The Druids held rituals during the winter solstice, where they would gather mistletoe from oak trees using golden sickles for use in various ceremonies.
In Norse mythology, mistletoe played a role in the saga of Baldur, the god of light and joy. It was said that Baldur's mother, Frigg, made all things promise not to harm her son, except for mistletoe, which she overlooked. Loki, the mischievous god, crafted an arrow from mistletoe and used it to bring about Baldur's demise. As a result, mistletoe became a symbol of love and Frigg's tears turned the plant's berries white. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is said to have originated from this story, symbolising forgiveness, love, and the banishment of evil.
Washington Irving wrote about the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe in the 19th Century, though he did not know the origin of the tradition.
It is hard to say exactly what is the origin of the English ‘kissing under the mistletoe,’ but the practice would appear to be due to an imagined relation between the love of the sexes and the spirit of fertility embodied in the sacred bough, and it may be a vestige of the licence often permitted at folk-festivals. According to one form of the English custom the young men plucked, each time they kissed a girl, a berry from the bough. When the berries were all picked, the privilege ceased. Washington Irving The Sketch Book (1819-1820)
Throughout history, mistletoe has retained its association with winter solstice and Christmas celebrations. It is often hung in doorways or ceilings, and it is customary for people to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe. This tradition signifies goodwill, friendship, and the joyous spirit of the season. Mistletoe is also incorporated into holiday decorations, wreaths, and other festive arrangements, adding a touch of enchantment and symbolism to the celebrations.
Australia has its own species of mistletoe that play a vital role in the biodiversity of various Australian ecosystems. These 92 species of mistletoe are an important food source for nectar-feeding birds and insects, as well as its edible berries and leaves. Each mistletoe species have its own unique cultural associations within different Australian First Nations communities.
In many Australian First Nations belief systems, mistletoe is considered a sacred plant with spiritual and medicinal properties. It is believed to possess powerful energy and is associated with fertility, healing, and connection to the spiritual realm. Mistletoe is considered a living link between the sky and the earth, symbolising the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in traditional medicines, and its branches and leaves may be used in ritual and for adorning ceremonial objects.
Mistletoe is often associated with certain bird species, such as the Mistletoebird, which plays a crucial role in the plant's reproductive cycle. First Nations Dreaming stories often feature these birds and their relationship with mistletoe, illustrating the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of these plants in the ecosystem.
A word of caution for any readers in Australia, please do not collect mistletoe without knowing exactly what you are doing, and ensure you have the proper environmental and cultural permissions. Some mistletoe species are rare or endangered, and some hold particular spiritual and cultural significance for Australia’s First Nations peoples, requiring specific protocols for their collection.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s article, The Origins of Christmas: Traditions borrowed from the old winter solstice and Nordic Yule celebrations.