Ancient Tradition of Herbs on Winter Solstice
Posted by msterilinn on Dec 22, 2007
The shortest sunlit day of the year, the Winter Solstice, is the day when the sun is farthest away and light is most remote. Celebrated the world over, and most profoundly in areas where the winter is very dark, and very long, the longest night and the shortest day of the year is when the sun who seems to be weakening and dying, is reborn, and begins to grow in radiance and renewal. Rebirth is the essence of this celebration.
At the time of the solstice on or near December 2lst seasonal plants are brought into the home to assure the woodland Spirits that they will find safe refuge during this period of darkness and cold. In many parts of the world this celebration included lighting giant bonfires to lure the sun back to earth keeping the fires burning through the night or through the dark times. Considered a sacred rite, the Yule Log is still burned in fireplaces today honoring the spirit of rebirth and regeneration.
To honor the ancient tradition in your own home try placing holly, ivy, rosemary, evergreen boughs and pine cones in areas where socializing takes place. Hang a sprig of mistletoe above a major threshold as a charm for good luck.
An ancient magical herb known for it’s life-giving powers the Mistletoe grew from the sky on the limbs of sacred oaks. Known as all-heal to the Druids, its green leaves represented the fertility of the Mother Goddess and its white berries symbolize the seed of the Forest God.
Historically Druids harvested mistletoe with golden scythes. Maidens would gather beneath the trees with bolts of white linen stretched out between them. The cloth prevented the falling mistletoe from falling to the ground. If by chance the mistletoe should touch the earth all sacred energy from the plant would pour back into the ground.
The symbolism of holly and ivy together represents the struggle for balance between the waning and the waxing Sun. Often thought a representation of the Holly King reverence for the Holly tree is much older. It was not lost on early societies that to enjoy the beauty of the lush red berries one needs both a male and female tree, only the female yields the lush fruit. The tree itself became associated with the Mother Goddess and with fertility rites.
Wreaths of holly and ivy were originally used during Yuletide - Saxon geol, meaning wheel, their circular shape symbolizing the Wheel of the Year with its completion and continuity. Holly was regarded as the resting place for elves and fairies who would lodge within the leaves and keep the house goblins from doing mischief. In a similar way, planting holly outside the home brought protection for the inhabitants. Ivy in turn was especially used for the protection of flocks and domestic animals. Wreaths or magic hoops of ivy with rowan and woodbine, were woven and placed near milk containers to protect the contents from invading sprits. Rosemary was spread on floors at Christmas as people walked over the herb releasing the fragrant scent filling the home with blessings and protection. The name rosemary is associated with the Virgin Mary, as is the Rose.
Evergreens were known for their supernatural powers as they remained green and alive during the dead of winter. Pine was used in abundance during the solstice season, and still is. The pine cone represents the continuation of life in its spiraling form, the basis for the divine mean, the essential matrix for all Life and assurance of rebirth and regeneration.
This holiday season take some time to remember the ancient traditions as you collect your seasonal plants from nature. Remember too, when you cut a live plant you are transmuting its life force. Do this with reverence. Whenever possible offer something in return by sprinkling tabacco, cornmeal, sage, or sweetgrass as an offering of your gratitude.
A very cool site about Winter Solstice.. School of the Seasons
