Archive -> December 18, 2004

Christmas herbs

Mistletoe

The mistletoe is known to have played a major part in the rituals of the Druids. A Druid is a member of the Christian Order Of Priest and Poets, who are among the Ancient Celts in Britain, Ireland, and France. The Archdruid cut the mistletoe with a golden sickle, around November of each year. It was caught as it fell from the tree by virgins holding out a white cloth. Prayers and the sacrifice of the white oxen followed. Mistletoe was believed to have healing powers to protect against witchcraft and bring fertility to the land.

Holly Sprigs

Holly Sprigs were very popular. In medieval times, holly was believed to possess special healing powers and it was used to prevent fevers, rheumatism and asthma. It was also used a a protection against evil, fire and storms.

Excerpted from The Fallacy of Christmas by Dr. Malachi Z. York