A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 3

HOLLY, IVY AND GARLAND

In the 15th century, it is said that Londoners had a by-law that stated that they needed to decorate their homes and churches with whatever the season had that was 'green'. For the most part that meant evergreen trees, holly leaves, bay leaves(Laurel), and ivy. Evergreens represented life because they did not die in the winter as other trees did. 

Residents would wrap evergreen around banisters, and around hearths. Placing candles around to make a charming functional centerpiece. Holly and Ivy, were both used for their greenery as well as their religious representations.

While Christianity also finds special meaning behind the holly berries and ivy  (representing the Crown of Jesus and the blood he shed).  Pagans use holly to ward off evil spirits and darkness of some magic. 

Through the years and into the modern era; we still use holly and ivy in both the Christmas and Yule celebrations. Red and green have become synonymous with the holiday season and bring a smile to any one's face. The placing of evergreen garland expanded to include putting an entire tree of evergreen in the home in accordance with the traditional 'law'. 

May the home be filled with the love, life, hope, peace and tranquility that this season brings! 

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 2

ADVENT CALENDAR VS ADVENT WREATH

Christians and Pagans* celebrate this time of year for different reason but with similiar items that make us all unite into one humanity.

Advent = meaning 'to come'. Christians await the 'coming' of Christ's birth and Pagans await the return of the Sun from it's 'winter slumber'. 

While the Advent Calendar, counts down the days until Christmas eve, the Advent Wreath is decorative in nature. 

Parents and children traditionally mark each day of Advent with opening up a window on their calendar. The calendar can have toys, chocolates, stuffed figures to mark each day's countdown. It is a great way for kids to learn the days of the week and math as well as 'biblical' teachings that accompany each day's window. 

The wreath was not developed by an early 'Martha Stewart', but rather by sheer preservation. In the dark ages, cart wheels were brought into the home during the winter to prevent them from decaying. To 'hide' the look of the wheel, garland and tree boughs were strung in and around the wheel making it look like a 'wreath'. They were also used as impromptu chandeliers, as they were easy to hang and would spin them in ritual to bring back the 'sun' (light).

As the tradition flourished over the years, Christians adopted the use of the wreaths as decoration while maintaining the biblical reverences with the calendar. 

The joys of this holiday season can be celebrated, marked and shared by everyone no matter the religion. 

**more to come**

*Pagan = Wiccan for this purpose