. Florists' review [microform]. Floriculture. 34 The Florists^ Review PXCSMBBC 14, FAVORITES NOW AT CHRISTMAS. Held Sacred in Ancient Times. Everyone knows, of course, that holly and mistletoe are regarded as the spe- cial emblems of Christmas, the most ap- propriate of all decorations for the oc- casion, but why are they so regarded? A recent issue of the Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin gives the best available answer to that question and supplies other interesting information about these favorite decorative materials. Holly and mistletoe, says the bulletin, are inseparably associat
. Florists' review [microform]. Floriculture. 34 The Florists^ Review PXCSMBBC 14, FAVORITES NOW AT CHRISTMAS. Held Sacred in Ancient Times. Everyone knows, of course, that holly and mistletoe are regarded as the spe- cial emblems of Christmas, the most ap- propriate of all decorations for the oc- casion, but why are they so regarded? A recent issue of the Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin gives the best available answer to that question and supplies other interesting information about these favorite decorative materials. Holly and mistletoe, says the bulletin, are inseparably associated with the Christmas season, not only on account of their beauty and persistence during the winter months, but because from earliest times these two plants have, by tradition, been linked with the life of Christ. The most plausible origin for the common name of holly is that it is a corruption of holy, and the German name of "Christ thorn" perpetuates the legend that leaves of this tree were used to form the "crown of ; Supposed Efficacy of Mistletoe. The mistletoe, among many other woods, has frequently been referred to as the one from which the cross was made. Previous to the crucifixion—so runs the legend—it was a splendid for- est tree, its disgraceful use causing it to assume its present humble parasitic habit. Long before the Christian era, how- ever, holly and mistletoe were singled out as plants of special significance. The Druids styled the mistletoe as "all heal," as it was considered an antidote for all disease, and even to the present day in some localities the virtues of its wood are highly regarded. In Sweden a finger ring of mistletoe is supposed to prevent sickness, and in France amulets of this plant were much worn. Culpep- per speaks of mistletoe as '' good for the grief of the sinew, itch and toothache, the biting of mad dogs and venomous beasts," and Sir Thomas Brown alludes to its efficacy in cases of epilepsy.
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecad, booksubjectfloriculture, bookyear1912
