The True Origins of Christmas Evergreen

At Christmas, when we decorate our homes with holly, mistletoe, and swags of evergreen, we are enacting a custom that goes back millennia to the dawn of man’s existence on earth, before the birth of Christ. Hanging evergreen has less to do with the birth of Christ but more to do with pagan – though not unholy – beliefs of early man in the endurance of evergreen flora throughout the winter when all of nature seemed dead. Ancient man’s close spiritual association with nature and his belief in the renewal of the land after the winter months marked the winter solstice as the halfway point in a harsh season and the looking forward to of the birth and renewal of spring.

Early Romans, Celts, Druids, and Vikings all practised a naturalistic form of religion that preceded the Judeo-Christian belief system, and that belief system had such a widespread influence that evidence of their customs can be found in every settlement and culture in every country throughout Europe. These naturalistic customs became integrated into the Christian religion as early Christianity spread throughout Europe and comes down to us today as an integral part of our Christmas celebrations. For example, the prickly holly leaves had pagan meanings but came to represents Christ’s crown of thorns by Christians who also gave red holly berries the symbolism of Christ’s blood. Mistletoe was considered by ancient man to have healing properties, and as a symbol of good luck and welcome, it was hung at doorways. Today’s association between kissing and mistletoe may still have to do with welcome – and who can refute the healing power of a kiss?!

The Christmas tree also has its origins in this ancient custom of having evergreen in the home as a symbol of a living nature, but it was in 16th-century Germany that the crossover from having a full tree in the home departed from ancient custom and became a full-fledged Christmas symbol – a tradition known to us today. In fact, early pilgrims in America, unaccustomed to the Christmas tree, outlawed it as “pagan mockery” and “heathen tradition” that sullied the name of Christ. Strict fines and penalties were levied against those who observed Christmas until the arrival of Dutch and German immigrant groups undermined the Puritan edicts. The concept of the Christmas tree won widespread acceptance with Queen Victoria’s German-born husband Prince Albert’s introduction of this German custom to England in 1846 when the royal family was pictured in the Illustrated London News beside a Christmas tree. With England a major colonizer of most of the known world at that period in history, this custom spread like wildfire to points far and wide, from India and Africa to the West Indies, South America, Canada, and the United States.

Today, the Christmas tree, holly, and mistletoe are accepted parts of our festive season’s decor, and a home decorated with a Christmas tree exudes warmth and welcome of the Christmas season. Yet, as we decorate our homes with evergreen at this time of year, we are re-enacting rituals from the misty dawn of time when early man strengthened a holy alliance with nature in the depths of winter in hopes of the promise of rebirth in the spring!

Wonderful Christmas greenery in boughs, swags, and wreaths can all be purchased from local area crafts people who make them from a variety of natural sources and local flora. Roadside booths abound with freshly cut trees and wreaths and special artisans make lovely handmade offerings which they sell from their homes, studios, or at the local farmers markets. In Riverview, Jeanne Brown of 283 Whitepine Road creates lovely pine wreaths in a variety of sizes. Embellished with festive red or gold ribbons and bows, you can purchase them right out of her front yard or call 854-7166 to order your special custom-made wreath. Drive by her house to see her giant wreath. It’s one of the magnificent Christmas decorations of the season!

At the Marché Moncton Market, Ethel Simmons creates lovely fresh greenery in Scotch pine, cedar, and princess pine all festively decorated with huge red bows, and also at the market, Noella Cormier’s wreaths are truly beautiful and very imaginative. Along with the regular green pine and cedar wreaths, she has taken the wreath to new heights with her unique square wreath and her natural oak leaf, and pampas grass wreath which looks like fur! Accented with a gold ribbon, it’s sure to be a conversation piece for you holiday home.

Corporate photographer, author, and gifted artist Delores Breau also has some of the most unique wreaths of the season. Having created a limited inventory, it’s worth a call to her studio at 382-9833 to inquire about her truly lovely and delightful offerings. A selection of woodland and green pine wreaths are wrought with accent ribbons and decorated with Santa faces, folk art snowmen, and an inventive selection of accent pieces in coordinated colours that impart all the various nuances of the festive season. The work of a true visionary, Delores Breau’s Christmas wreaths are a joy to behold. Get one for your home today! They also make great gifts for family and friends.

Wherever you purchase your Christmas greenery and in whatever way you choose to decorate your home, nothing else reinforces the ties we have with nature than the addition of that simple wreath, bough, swag, or tree to our celebrations. Have a Merry Christmas!