Magical Plants of Christmas
Most of the plants we associate with the holiday season are from Europe or the Mediterranean. We know the holly, ivy, mistletoe, christmas rose, rosemary, hawthorn, bay and of course, evergreens while the New World is represented in Christmas legend by the poinsettia. What are the legends and lore surrounding these common plants ?
Hawthorn.
The Glastonbury thorn is connected with Christ's death as well as his birth. Legend has it that soon after the death of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea came to Britain to spread the message of Christianity. As he lay down to rest from his weary journey, he pushed his staff into the ground beside him. When he awoke, he found that the staff had taken root and begun to grow and blossom. From that day onwards - every Christmas Eve the white thorn buds and blooms.
There is a tradition in England that a branch of the Glastonbury Thorn is taken and displayed each year in Buckingham Palace.
Rosemary is another plant with extensive holiday traditions, symbolism, and legends and associated with remembrance, friendship, and fidelity. Floors of churches and homes were strewn with the herb and the traditional boar's head for the Christmas feast was decorated with rosemary.
Two rosemary legends relate directly to the Christmas story. Rosemary flowers were originally white until one day during the flight to Egypt, Mary draped her blue cloak over a rosemary bush. The rosemary flowers turned blue and the whole plant took on the beautiful colour and fragrance of Mary's cloak. Similarly, in another legend, Mary dries the baby Jesus's clothes on a fragrant bush. The plant's name, rosemary, and its blue flowers are in remembrance of its humble service to the Holy family.
Christmas Rose. The helleborus nigra which flowers at Christmas time is a reminder of the purity of the Virgin Mary. A Spanish legend tells us of a young shepherdess named Madelon. As Madelon tended her sheep one cold wintry night, wise men and shepherds passed by the snow covered field where she was, with their gifts for the Christ Child. The wise men carried the rich gifts and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves. Madelon began to weep at the thought of having nothing, not even a simple flower for the Newborn King. An angel, seeing her tears, brushed away the snow revealing a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - the Christmas rose
The pointed leaves of the Holly represent the thorns of Christ's Crown. The green leaves represent eternal life, and the red berries represent the blood of Christ. It is said that holly was used to make the crown of thorns. At that time the berries were yellow. In honor to the blood shed by Christ the berries turned red. According to another legend, when the Holy Family was fleeing into the desert from Herod, they hid the baby Jesus in a holly bust. At that time, the leaves had fallen as the holly was not an evergreen. Mary prayed for protection, and the leaves grew - a deep green to hide and protect the baby Jesus.
Chrysanthemum comes from the Greek meaning "golden flower," but a German legend refers to another of the many colours of chrysanthemums
One cold, snowy Christmas Eve in the Black Forest, a peasant family was sitting down to a scanty supper when they heard a wailing. At first they thought it was the wind, but after listening for a while, they opened the door and found a beggar. They ushered in the poor man who was blue with cold, wrapped him in blankets, and shared their food.Instantly, the blankets were shed, revealing a man in shining white clothing with a halo around his head. Proclaiming himself the Christ Child he fled. The next morning, outside the door where he had stood, were two white chrysanthemums. Today, many German families bring white chrysanthemums into their homes on Christmas Eve, following the tradition of sheltering the Christ Child.
In central and northern Europe it is the custom to break off a branch of a cherry tree at the beginning of Advent and keep it in water in a warm room. The flowers burst into bloom at Christmas time
Poinsettia. Another charming story of a child bearing a gift is that of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy. "I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable ," said Pedro consolingly.
Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.
As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.
From that day on, the bright red flowers have been known as the Flores de Noche Buena, Flowers of the Holy Night.
Susanna Duffy is a Civil Celebrant, grief counsellor and mythologist. She creates ceremonies and Rites of Passage for individual and civic functions, and specialises in celebrations for women. http://celebrant.yarralink.com
 Google News Updated : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:54:08 GMT 'Gonzo' diverting rehash of what a long, strange trip it's been - San Jose Mercury News San Jose Mercury News - By Glenn Whipp With two volumes of letters, a handful of biographies, three previous documentary movies, two feature films and a comic strip character, not to mention a writing career spent mostly in the first person, is there anything that hasn't been ... The perfect subject for 'Gonzo' Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:10:38 GMT Botswana urges region not to recognize Mugabe's re-election - Xinhua
Xinhua - JOHANNESBURG, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's government urged its neighbors Friday not to recognize Robert Mugabe's re-election, reiterating calls for Zimbabwe to be suspended from a regional bloc. African Union Weakened by Summit Inaction on Zimbabwe West condemns Mugabe, ignores other Africa despots Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:05:14 GMT On Independence Day, Think Fireworks Safety First - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Dennis Thompson FRIDAY, July 4 (HealthDay News) -- Fireworks can be breathtaking spectacles, creating glittering showers of sparks and earth-rumbling booms that thrill people for miles around. 2006: 11 dead, 9200 fireworks injuries Burned by fireworks? Here's what to do Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:19:24 GMT O's bats get revenge vs. Rangers - MLB.com
MLB.com - By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com BALTIMORE -- Call it a down payment towards payback. The Orioles earned a small measure of revenge against the Rangers on Friday, courtesy of an 10-4 victory that was all but decided by the fourth inning. O's pound Rangers Orioles score 8 off Padilla, beat Rangers 10-4 Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:43:39 GMT Reaction to the death of Jesse Helms - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - Reaction to the death of former North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms, who died on the Fourth of July at age 86: "Jesse Helms was a kind, decent, and humble man and a passionate defender of what he called "the Miracle of America. Video: A Look Back At Jesse Helms Former Senator Jesse Helms dead at 86 Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:51:11 GMT RPT-China, Taiwan airlines to see lift from new flights - Reuters
Reuters - By Joseph Chaney TAIPEI, June 29 (Reuters) - Direct weekend flights between China and Taiwan starting this week are likely to give a boost to carriers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait at the expense of Hong Kong, but probably not until all ... China resumes direct flights to Taiwan after 60 years China-Taiwan direct: Readers react Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:46:40 GMT Federer One Away From Another Wimbledon Title - New York Times New York Times - By CHRISTOPHER CLAREY For the third straight year, the men’s final will be between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. And the women’s final will be the latest family affair between Venus Williams and her sister Serena. Federer, Nadal to meet for Wimbledon men's title Federer aims to keep winning in Nadal battle Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:13 GMT Add RSS Feeds to My Website |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... When searching for Angel Costumes, there are so many choices... Read More Tired of the same old typical Halloween costumes. You know... Read More From the time I was a very little girl, I... Read More Beyond trees and wreaths, there are few symbols of the... Read More According to a recent study by the internet cigar retailer... Read More Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you... Read More Easter 2005 is coming, Sunday March 27, and Christians worldwide... Read More I am going to make a bold statement. I think... Read More During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on... Read More It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and... Read More In theory Christmas is a time that is filled with... Read More Do you remember the days when your mother used to... Read More Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American... Read More It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to... Read More I remember just a handful of the Christmas presents I... Read More Christmas is such a special day. It is a day... Read More The word mother and mothers day are simple, yet powerful... Read More Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do... Read More After some recent reports it seems that 90% of all... Read More The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated... Read More Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over... Read More Do you know what you are giving to the children... Read More 1.) BEGIN NOW !!!Don't save your shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping,... Read More Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with... Read More While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you... Read More
Adsense
websites
Angel Costumes! Theres An Angel Inside Us All, But Are You Naughty Or Nice?
Funny Couples Costume Ideas For Halloween
The Christmas Dress
Outside the Box Gingerbread Houses
The Five Best Cigar-Related Fathers Day Gifts
Tips For Singles on Surviving (And Enjoying) The Holidays
What Is The Easter In Your Business?
The Only New Year?s Resolution You Need
The Gift of Failure
Stress-Free Party Planning
How to Reduce Your Stress this Christmas
Mothers Day Gift Ideas
Holiday Tips & Treats That Wont Play Tricks On Your Waistline
Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized
Create Warm Memories with Holiday Traditions
Christmas Gift Ideas
Make Every Day a Mothers Day!
Spice Up Your Life with an Adventure Holiday!
Advantages of Online Greeting Cards Over Paper Cards - Part I
Memorial Day: 3 Ways To Honor American Soldiers
The Origins Of Mothers Day
Christmas Gifts to Last a Lifetime
10 Holiday Sober Savers 2004
Surviving Those Holiday Blues
Children?s Birthday Party Locations and Ideas
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Practical Ways to Keep Your ADD Under Control During the Holiday Season
Do November's Thanksgiving experiences have you dreading the December holidays?... Read More
Christmas Gifts For Dog Lovers
Let's admit it, the US and UK are both countries... Read More
Losing Weight During The Holiday Season--Can It Be Done?
Thirteen years ago I became quite intrigued with the idea... Read More
5 Ways to Lose Those Holiday Blues
What a great time of year! It's a time to... Read More
Fathers Day Gift Ideas for Dad!
Father's Day...Father's Day only one month away! Father's Day is... Read More
Memorial Day Flowers
Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day. Your local florist can... Read More
Consider the Egg
The glorious egg, with its deep links to Creation mythology,... Read More
Visions of Sugar Plums and Holiday Safety!
Ho, Ho, Ho, Holiday greetings to you!Every year at this... Read More
Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More
The Gift My Brother Couldnt Give
From the book A Heartland Christmas CollectionIn the first years... Read More
Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children Invest in Holiday Memories
Christmas memories are never dependent on the amount of money... Read More
Honor Mothers: Song Remembers Mom Forever
In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing... Read More
Strategies for Surviving Holiday Dinners, Family Events and Other War Zones
No matter how well we may have weathered our basic... Read More
New Ways to Use Old Christmas Cards
Forty years ago when I was growing up on our... Read More
Greeting Card Tango: How To Impress, Not Stress, During The Holidays
When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More
Overcoming Loneliness this Christmas
Christmas is one of those times when the social norm... Read More
Dear Santa: Christmas Sucks!
Christmas time is finally here, and most people during this... Read More
Making the Holidays More Meaningful
Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you... Read More
You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why
Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of... Read More
Spice Up Your Life with an Adventure Holiday!
Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do... Read More
A Christmas Tradition - Vintage Ornaments
Traditional hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments never seem to go out... Read More
Christmas Tree Topper Ornaments
From my childhood memories, pride of place on the top... Read More
Christmas Gifts For Bird Lovers
Choosing gifts for any animal lovers can be quite a... Read More
Holiday Tips & Treats That Wont Play Tricks On Your Waistline
Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American... Read More
Ready for Christmas? Enjoy an Organized Holiday This Year
1. Keep a stack of directions TO your place for... Read More
Holiday |