Deck the Halls and Strike the Chorus!
Evergreens, wassailing, carolling and the Mari Lwyd
In the Southern Hemisphere, winter solstice approaches at the end of the week. Many people decorate their homes with vibrant evergreens and organise festive feasts centred around the winter solstice. For others, including me, the winter solstice is a time for peace and reflection in the lead-up to the main winter celebration of Yule in the middle of July. Decking the halls for Yule begins in my household on the 1st of July and has the same decorative features as the winter solstice but with more gnomes and Scandi/Germanic themes.
In this article, we will explore the custom of ‘decking the halls’, as well as the meanings and symbolism of the seasons’ favourite evergreen plants. We’ll also dive into the history and tradition of wassailing, its evolution into carolling and the fascinating but creepy tradition of the Welsh Mari Lwyd.
Deck the Halls
The tradition of decking or decorating the inside of homes with evergreen plants for Christmas or Yule, is a cherished practice with deep historical roots, as we explored in previous articles:
- The Origins of Christmas, the 12 Days of Christmas and Twelfth Night
- Echoes of the Ice Age: Winter Solstice and Mother’s Night
Although Puritan Christmas bans dampened the display of Christmas festivities in Britain and its colonies, the rest of Europe maintained the tradition. It was revived in Britain and then America during the Victorian era and is now an integral part of Christmas festivities across Europe and former European colonies.
A carol describing the joy and merriment of this tradition, called Deck the Halls, was penned in 1861 by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant who used a Welsh folk tune traditionally sung for New Year’s Eve, Nos Galan.
The cheeky short clip (2:08 mins) features a humourous sketch about the origins of Deck the Halls (swear warning), fa la la la la…
The video below (1:57 mins) features the Cambridge Singers singing in Welsh with the Welsh lyrics and English translation provided.
Deck the Halls is one of my favourite songs for the season. It reflects the fun and joy of winter festivities, without mentioning any religious themes, Santa Claus or gift-giving, which are not part of my celebrations. I especially love Nat King Cole’s version, released in 1960:
Several species of evergreen plants were traditionally used to deck the halls and held great importance and symbolism for Ancient Roman, Celtic, Germanic and Norse peoples. These plants included the conifers, holly, ivy and mistletoe.
Conifers
Conifers were significant plant species for the Celts, Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The Celts considered the pine tree, especially the Scots pine, a sacred tree with powerful symbolism. It was believed to be a source of wisdom, protection, and vitality. During the winter solstice, the Celts decorated their homes and sacred spaces with pine branches and pine cones. The pine’s evergreen nature represented eternal life and it was revered for its ability to survive through harsh winters and for its durability.
Scots Pine bonfires were lit to encourage the sun to come back and fertilise the land for the coming crops and pine glades were decorated in shiny trinkets to symbolise divine light and eternal life. Pine nuts would have been a vital source of food in midwinter when supplies were scarce and were also thought to increase fertility.
For Germanic peoples, particularly the Norse, conifer trees such as the Nordic Spruce were important and symbolic during Yule celebrations. The Norse believed that these evergreen trees were favoured by the gods as they remained green and vibrant even during the cold winter months. Conifers symbolised the persistence of life amid the harshness of winter and were revered as a connection to the divine.
As part of their Yule traditions, the Germanic peoples would bring evergreen trees into their homes and decorate them with ornaments, candles, and small carved figures representing gods, spirits, and ancestors. This tradition persisted in Scandinavia as well as in Germany, although the symbolism of the tree and its decorations were eventually changed to reflect Christian beliefs. We will explore the history of the Yule or Christmas tree in a future article.
Pinecones were also important folkloric items during the winter season. The German tradition of silver pine cones, known as Silberzapfen in German, is rooted in folklore and superstition. According to these legends, silver pinecones are believed to possess magical properties and bring good luck and prosperity to those who possess them. The tradition of displaying silver pinecones dates back to medieval times and is particularly associated with the Bavarian and Tyrolean regions of Germany.
One popular story featuring the silver pinecones involves the Wolpertinger, a mythical creature said to inhabit the forests of Bavaria. The Wolpertinger is a fantastical creature, with the body of a rabbit or hare, with feathered wings, a pair of deer antlers sprouting from it head and wolf fangs and claws. It is said that the Wolpertinger guards the precious silver pinecones, hiding them deep within the forest. Finding these rare pinecones in the forest is considered a stroke of good luck, as they are believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
In some versions of the story, it is said that the silver pinecones can only be found on a full moon night during the winter solstice. Those who are lucky enough to discover them are said to gain special powers or have their wishes granted. Another popular version of the story involves the King of the Dwarves rather than the Wolpertinger. You can read the folktale of The Silver Pine Cones, from the Harz Mountains in Germany here.
Today, the tradition of displaying silver pinecones at Christmas or Yule continues to be celebrated in certain regions of Germany, where they are crafted and sold as decorative items for the Christmas markets. They are often made from real pinecones that are carefully coated with silver paint or glitter. Blown glass silver pinecone ornaments are also a popular Christmas tree decoration.
Holly
Both Celtic and Germanic cultures incorporated holly into their festive traditions. It was commonly used as a decoration during winter celebrations. Holly branches were hung on doors and windows, bringing good fortune and warding off negativity. The vibrant red berries added a touch of colour and vitality to the otherwise barren winter landscape.
For the ancient Celts, holly was associated with protection and vitality. Its evergreen nature made it a symbol of enduring life during the harsh winter months. The sharp, spiky leaves of holly were believed to repel evil spirits and safeguard against malevolent forces like witches, elves and faeries. It was also associated with fertility and the renewal of life. Neo-pagan Celtic druids tell the story of the Holly King and the Oak King who engage in a seasonal battle. When the Holly King, the King of Winter wins his battle, Summer is defeated. Summer comes again when the Oak King defeats the Holly King in turn. The origins of this story are not known but are claimed to have been passed down from pre-Christian oral traditions and were present in Medieval motifs.
In Germanic folklore, holly was regarded as a sacred plant and was associated with the god Thor. It was believed to have protective properties and was often used to ward off evil spirits and lightning strikes. Holly was also connected to the celebration of Yule, where it symbolised hope and the promise of new beginnings. Its bright red berries represented the life force within the winter landscape.
With the advent of Christianity, holly took on additional meanings that aligned with the story of Jesus Christ. The prickly leaves of holly were said to represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion, and the red berries symbolised his blood. Holly became associated with Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of salvation.
The song The Holly King written and sung by UK folk singer Kate Rushby, tells the story of the Holly King, who waits for his winter queen. It is a truly beautiful song and my favourite of all the winter season songs on my playlist. Listen to it below.
Ivy
Ivy is also a significant plant in the winter solstice traditions of the Celtic and Germanic peoples, symbolizing resilience, protection, and everlasting life. In Celtic mythology, ivy was associated with the winter season and was often depicted as a companion to holly. It was believed that while holly represented the masculine aspect of winter, the ivy embodied its feminine qualities. Together, they represented the balance of energies during the dark and cold months.
The evergreen nature of ivy, with its ability to thrive even in harsh conditions, made it a powerful symbol of endurance and tenacity. It was seen as a guardian against negative forces and a source of protection for homes during the winter season. Celtic and Germanic people would adorn their dwellings with ivy wreaths, garlands, and other decorative elements, both inside and outside, as a way to invoke these protective qualities.
As the traditions surrounding the winter solstice merged with Christian beliefs, ivy too became associated with the story of Jesus’ birth, representing humility and clinging to faith. The pairing of holly and ivy is an old pre-Christian symbol of the winter season, that has survived even in modern-day Christian mythology, though its symbolism has been modified to align with the Christian faith. The mixing of the old pre-Christian and new Christian symbolism for holly and ivy is particularly distinct in the Christmas carol, The Holly and the Ivy, featured in the video (2:45 mins) below.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is another evergreen plant that held great significance and was considered sacred by many ancient cultures. It is a parasitic plant that grows on various trees, such as oak, apple, and hawthorn and is characterized by its smooth, leathery leaves and small, white berries.
In Celtic and Druidic traditions, mistletoe was believed to possess healing and magical properties. It was seen as a symbol of fertility, vitality, and divine blessings. The white mistletoe berries were believed to represent the essence of the male reproductive force or semen. This association was likely linked to the plant’s ability to bear fruit even during the winter months when other vegetation was dormant. It symbolised the potency and fertility of nature even in the midst of darkness and cold. Ancient Roman writer and naturalist, Pliny the Elder recorded in 1 CE, that Druids held rituals during the winter solstice, where they would gather mistletoe from oak trees using golden sickles.
In Norse mythology, mistletoe played a role in the saga of Baldur, the god of light and joy. It was said that Baldur’s mother, Frigg, made all things promise not to harm her son, except for mistletoe, which she overlooked. Loki, the mischievous god, crafted an arrow from mistletoe and used it to bring about Baldur’s demise. Frigg’s tears turned the mistletoe’s berries white and the mistletoe became a symbol of forgiveness, love, and the banishment of evil. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is thought by some to have originated from this story.
Washington Irving wrote about the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe in the 19th Century, though he did not know the origin of the tradition.
It is hard to say exactly what is the origin of the English ‘kissing under the mistletoe,’ but the practice would appear to be due to an imagined relation between the love of the sexes and the spirit of fertility embodied in the sacred bough, and it may be a vestige of the licence often permitted at folk-festivals. According to one form of the English custom the young men plucked, each time they kissed a girl, a berry from the bough. When the berries were all picked, the privilege ceased.
Washington Irving The Sketch Book (1819–1820)
Throughout history, mistletoe has retained its association with winter solstice and Christmas celebrations. It is often hung in doorways or from ceilings, and it is customary for people to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe. Mistletoe is also incorporated into holiday decorations, wreaths, and other festive arrangements, though not many people know the history or meaning behind the tradition.
Australia has its own species of mistletoe that play a vital role in the biodiversity of various Australian ecosystems. These 92 species of mistletoe are an important food source for nectar-feeding birds and insects, as well as providing edible berries and leaves. Each mistletoe species also has its own unique cultural associations within different Australian First Nations communities.
For many Australian First Nations peoples, mistletoe is considered a sacred plant with spiritual and medicinal properties. Some communities believe that mistletoe is a living link between the sky and the earth, symbolising the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in traditional medicines, and its branches and leaves may be used in rituals and for adorning ceremonial objects.
Mistletoe is often associated with certain bird species, such as the Mistletoe bird, which plays a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle. Some First Nations Dreaming stories feature these birds and their relationship with mistletoe, illustrating the importance of these plants in the ecosystem.
A word of caution for any readers in Australia: please do not collect mistletoe without knowing exactly what you are doing, and ensure you have the proper environmental and cultural permissions. Some mistletoe species are rare or endangered, and some hold particular spiritual and cultural significance for Australia’s First Nations peoples, requiring specific protocols for their collection.
Now that we’ve explored the traditions and symbolism of decking the halls with evergreen plants, let’s take a look at the history and tradition of wassailing, and its evolution into carolling.
Strike the Chorus
Wassailing is an ancient tradition whose origins can be traced back to the pre-Christian practice of blessing orchard trees at the winter solstice, Christmas or Yule Eve, or on Twelfth Night. The word wassail comes from the Old English and Anglo-Saxon toast, wes hal or waes hael meaning ‘be of good health,’ which was traditionally met with ‘drink hail’ in reply. Farmers, farm workers and villagers would gather together and in a spirited and merry procession (likely well lubricated with cider), they would visit each orchard with a wooden wassail bowl filled with a warm, spiced alcoholic beverage, commonly apple cider, which was often topped with pureed apple called lamb’s wool.
Gathering around the largest and usually the oldest tree in each orchard, the year’s wassail Queen or sometimes the youngest boy called the Tom Tit, placed a piece of wassail-soaked toast in the tree’s branches. This tradition is probably related to the origin of the term ‘toast’ to cheer a drink. The offering of toast was a gift for the birds and animals, and an offering of the wassail, sprinkled around the apple tree roots was a gift to the orchard and the tree spirits, a blessing for its health and a good harvest. It was usually accompanied by traditional wassail songs and much ‘toasting’ from those gathered for the custom. The merrymakers then proceeded to the next orchard, making as much noise as possible with singing, shouting, banging of pots and pans, and even the firing of shotguns. This lively commotion served the dual purpose of awakening the dormant tree spirits and warding off any malevolent entities lurking among the branches.
Wassail Songs
There are many versions of wassail songs and customs that are specific to certain regions. Here’s one from the South Hams of Devon (1871):
Here’s to thee, old apple tree,
Whence thou mayst bud
And whence thou mayst blow!
And whence thou mayst bear apples enow!
Hats Full! Caps Full!
Bushel — bushel — sacks full,
And my pockets full too! Huzza!
This next one is the first stanza of a carol called the Gower Wassail from Gower in Wales. It is still a popular carol and has been covered by many folk bands.
A-wassail, a-wassail throughout all the town
Our cup it is white and our ale it is brown
Our wassail is made of the good ale and cake (too)
Some nutmeg and ginger, the best you can bake (do)
Our wassail is made of the elderberry bough
And so my good neighbors we’ll drink unto thou
Besides all on earth, you have apples in store
Pray let us come in for it’s cold by the door
The video below features a lovely version of the Gower Wassail by The Oh Hellos:
This next wassail comes from Cornworthy, Devon (1805):
Huzza, Huzza, in our good town
The bread shall be white, and the liquor be brown
So here my old fellow I drink to thee
And the very health of each other tree.
Well may ye bloom, well may ye bear
Blossom and fruit both apple and pear.
So that every bough and every twig
May bend with a burden both fair and big
May ye bear us and yield us fruit such a stors
That the bags and chambers and house run o’er
The tradition of wassailing is still popular in England’s apple and cider-producing areas, such as Somerset, Devon, and Kent, each with its own particular version of the tradition. An old folktale from Somerset, The Apple Tree Man, tells of a poor man who, on Christmas Eve, gave his last mug of mulled cider to the trees in his orchard. The Apple Tree Man, the spirit of the oldest apple tree in the orchard, rewarded the man by revealing the location of buried gold, which allowed him to buy the farm and its precious orchard.
The short (3:18 mins) video below is from a BBC local news story about the wassail tradition in the English town of Maplehurst, West Sussex.
The video (11:53 mins) below documents the wassail traditions of two villages in Devon.
The Origins of Carolling
During the Middle Ages, wassailing expanded from rural orchards and country villages, and became a customary practice throughout England. It acted as a form of charitable giving, distinct from begging, in which peasants would sing traditional songs, perform dances, and engage in merrymaking, and in return feudal lords would display their beneficence by offering the wassailing peasants hospitality, food, drink and sometimes money. Apart from encouraging goodwill and seasonal festivity, this tradition helped to cement the hierarchical feudal social order.
However:
By the 1500s, wassailing often took the form of bands of drunk peasants, staggering between the houses of richer folk, singing carols and refusing to leave until they have been rewarded for their efforts with a gift or donation of hard cash. The wassailers’ demand for ‘figgy pudding’ in the traditional carol ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is followed up by the menacing “We won’t go until we get some!” Niall Edworthy, The Curious World of Christmas (2008), p.23.
Due to its pagan origins, wassailing faced resistance from the medieval clergy who barred wassailers from churches and it was banned outright in English towns during the Puritan Christmas crackdowns of the 16 and 1700s. Wassailing eventually returned during the Victorian Christmas revival however, the carollers were now usually sober and often in family or choral groups, singing Christian-themed songs and what we now know as Christmas Carols.
The Mari Lwyd
In a similar if slightly more creepy fashion, the Welsh custom of the Mari Lwyd also involved groups of people parading through towns, travelling door to door and singing. However, these processions were led by the Mari Lwyd, which translates to Grey Mare in English. The Mari Lwyd is constructed from a horse’s skull, beautifully decorated with ribbons, colourful cloth, and bells, mounted on a pole or stick. The person holding the Mari Lwyd would often conceal their body and face with a white sheet.
In addition to singing traditional Welsh songs, the Mari Lwyd engaged the occupants of each house in an exchange of witty verses, known as pwnco, which was said to bring good luck and blessings to the visited households. Eventually, the occupants would invite the Mari Lwyd and its group inside, where further merriment and celebrations took place. The Mari Lwyd is experiencing a revival in Wales, with communities working together to keep this custom alive and have fun while doing it.
The short (6:49) video below beautifully documents the modern revival of the Mari Lwyd tradition.
Most years I reserve the solstice feast for the weekend so that there is time to create a hyggelig atmosphere inside my home with lighted candles, arrangements of evergreens, bare branches and winter berries, and a crackling fire. Dinner involves just my close family and sometimes close friends, enjoying a special feast together, usually Beef Wellington, with green peppercorn sauce, herb and garlic roasted fingerling potatoes, and a warm winter greens salad. I love this recipe from the Food Network’s Ultimate Beef Wellington, it also has a well-produced and easy-to-follow cooking video. Or for my vegan friends and family, take a look at the vegan option from BOSH!, which also has a festive cooking video and looks amazing!
A sticky fig and ginger pudding with butterscotch sauce tops off the festive meal. We love this delicious Sticky Fig and Ginger Pudding recipe from Taste.com.au and substitute the flour with my favourite gluten-free flour (Well and Good). The whole family joins in the traditional pudding ‘stir up,’ each member takes a turn to stir the batter and makes a wish for the family. Then I pop a coin or an almond into the batter before baking to bring good fortune to one lucky family member.
We will explore the traditions, history and folklore of Christmas and Yule foods next week.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s article. Join me next week for Winter Feasting! In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Winter Solstice (or Summer Solstice for readers in the northern hemisphere)!
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