The Folklore of Christmas
As we approach the winter solstice or what I like to think of as “Half way out of the dark” I have been thinking about yuletide traditions and their origins, particularly those that involve animals and plants. So I have for you a roundup of midwinter wildlife folklore.
“Blackcap in Winter” original digital illustration by Lizzie Ault
Animals
Amongst the many animals associated with Christmas, the Robin is probably the one that immediately springs to mind. What would Christmas be without a greetings card adorned with the friendly bird? Origins of the Robin’s association with Christmas may well go back to pagan times but the story I found was of a robin swooping in to protect the baby Jesus and its feathers getting scorched a red colour by the fire. However, in the 1860s Christmas cards of robins became popular as the Postmen who delivered them had been given the nickname robins because of their red uniforms.
Across Europe there are tales of animals being able to talk to humans on the winter solstice or Christmas eve. However it’s not very good luck to hear them and people tend to end up being punished for listening. The conception of the idea is probably pagan but there is also an association with the nativity where the animals who shared the stable with Jesus develop speech due to their connection with the Christ child.
“Mistle Thrush and Mistletoe” original digital illustration by Lizzie Ault shop now
Plants
Mistletoe is a classic plant of Christmas decoration. It was considered rather magical because of the way it grows as if floating in trees. In reality Mistletoe is hemi parasitic meaning it makes part of its energy by taking nutrients from trees. The seeds are spread via birds who eat the berries and wipe the sticky seeds from their beaks onto the branches where they take root and grow. Mistle Thrushes get their name from the plant but Blackcaps are the most voracious consumers of Mistletoe according to the British Trust for Ornithology.
Carols in praise of Holly and Ivy date to before the 15th C according to “Plants before the revolution” by Sue McDonald. According to McDonald, Holly was deemed to be male, and Ivy female. But Holly without berries is often considered to be bad luck. The greenery you bring into your home can vary from holly, ivy, bay, laurel and really anything green you can find during midwinter. But beware as many of these favourite evergreen plants are toxic to some degree.
Many people know the tradition of taking your decorations down by 12th night or January 5th/6th or else goblins will come and live in it and bring you bad luck. However the dates for putting up and taking down your yuletide decorations vary according to region in the British Isles. In some areas Mistletoe only goes up on new year’s eve and in others decorations can stay up as late as Candlemas/Imbolc (around 2nd February). I personally believe that it is acceptable to light up the darkness from 31st October until February 2nd. These are the darkest months, after all and as many people will be leaving and coming home in darkness what harm can a little sparkle do? Unless you’re afraid of Goblins of course.
What are your winter traditions involving plants and wildlife? Leave a comment and let me know.
I wish you all a wonderful festive season. Do what you can to light up the darkness in whichever way you choose, for as long as you like. I hope to catch up with you when the light begins to return.
