Christmas tradition #2

Holy and Garland

When Christmas was officially celebrated on December 25th in the 4th century, the church didn't want to use misteltoe as a decorative green. It had been used in ancient cultures and was associated with many pagan rituals. The church decided to forbid the use of mistletoe in any form. As a substitute, it suggested holly for garland. The sharply pointed leaves were supposed to symbolize the thorns in Christ's crown and the red berries drops of his blood.

Holly soon became a nativity tradition. The Christian ban on mistletoe was in effect throughout the Middle Ages. Even as late as the 20th century, there were churches in England that wouldn't let people wear mistletoe sprigs during services.

Today, most people use holly and evergreen boughs to decorate the house and hang mistletoe over the doorway.