Ever wondered how the certain foliage became synonymous with Christmas – well here’s a few words to satisfy your fascination! 

Holy - Very popular at Christmas

Let’s start with the very traditional Holly and Ivy.  Holly and Ivy have been associated with the festive season, long before inspiring the penning of the 17^th century’s carol ‘The Holy and Ivy’  and the chart topping ‘Mistletoe and Wine’, sung by Sir Cliff Richards in 1988. Pagans decorated their homes during the dark winter solstice months with the evergreens that grew around them, with each plant having its own meaning – Holly and Ivy were symbols of fertility! The male holly and the female ivy intertwined in a wreath or garland was a reminder of the new season/new growth to follow.

Both Holly and Ivy were also believed to have magical powers, being capable of warding off evil spirits and providing power and strength. The druid priests amongst the Irish Celts used Ivy extensively in their spiritual ceremonies. 

The Romans added another “take” (more…)

In Victorian polite society, etiquette was the watchword of the day. Clearly defined social rules governed everything from whom you could speak with and what you could acceptably say; young women risked scandal by openly flirting with strange men and fraternising with those from other social classes was frowned upon.

No wonder then that Victorian courtships were discreet affairs.

Young lovers, often without the option of a direct approach, relied on more subtle means to woo the objects of their affection. Flowers became popular as a secret language, their different varieties symbolising everything words could not.

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