Think we can branch out this holiday season?
One of the symbols of Christmas is also mistletoe. It is an evergreen semi-parasite growing on other plants. It is a plant that has been valued for centuries.
In the past it was believed that mistletoe would protect the house against evil powers, charms and lightning, and prevent misfortune, and bring wealth, success, harmony and prosperity. It was also supposed to favor lovers and provide vitality and fertility. Mistletoe has long been a symbol of love.
Tradition says that kissing under the mistletoe is supposed to bring the couple in love a long and lasting relationship. Mistletoe was and is now hung in the house above the entrance, from the ceiling or above the table.
In Poland, during Christmas there we have some traditions related to plants. For many people Christmas without them isn't a real one. Before we had Christmas plants in our houses, we had had “podłaźniczka” - usually a pine, fir or spruce branch. It had hung over a window, door or table. It had been believed that "podłaźniczka" protects the house from evil powers, charms and ensures prosperity.
The most iconic symbol of Christmas around the world is Christmas tree. It’s so important for people - it doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, live or artificial, expensive or cheap - the fact of being a tree it’s the most significant. In Polish culture, the Christmas tree is treated as a symbol of life, rebirth and fertility. Bringing it home used to have a ritual dimension. The host of the house going to the forest to steal a Christmas tree was supposed to guarantee himself good luck. Now, more and more people decide to have a live Christmas tree, but in a pot, to plant it in the ground after Christmas.
Christmas tree, Poinsettia and Mistletoe - these are plants that are in practically every home in Poland. Many of us cannot imagine not decorating a tree or kissing under the mistletoe. These plants also have a symbolic meaning - they are supposed to protect the house and its inhabitants.
I hope these traditions will continue and new ones will be created in the near future because as Gisele Bundchen said "Christmas and the holidays are the season of giving. It's a time when people are more kind and open-hearted."
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Aleksandra Szczygielska