Back to the roots

As we enter the old path of ancient times, Christmas was the celebration of the rebirth of the sun, after the longest night. Facts, mythology, legends shadowed by Christianity trying to erase the pagan rituals are still alive.




Our Christmas tree is the tree of life of the ancient Celts. As the months were represented by tree, the fir tree was the one for December, a symbol of rebirth.


Another important symbol still very present : the mistletoe.

Celtic tradition

(Indispensable ingredients of the magic potion of Panoramix (the famous druid in Asterix village), the sacred mistletoe was cut by the druid with a golden sickle (as seen on the picture of Panoramix), the sixth day of the Celtic year. They collected it in a white linen sheet while chanting : ‘’O Ghel an Heu’’ which means ‘’let the wheat grow’’. This expression, deformed by time will become in medieval time ‘’au Gui l’an neuf’’ that all French know (''with mistletoe, the new year''). Branches were divided among the people to bring them luck for the year. So sacred it was that it should not touch the ground. The Gallic found plenty virtues to this plant : to chase the bad spirits, purify souls, anti poison, help with the cattle and people fecundity or give the ability to see ghosts and even make them talk…..) In fact, it was considered so sacred that even enemies who happened to meet beneath Mistletoe in the forest would lay down their weapons, exchange a friendly greeting, and keep a truce until the following day. From this old custom grew the practice of suspending Mistletoe over a doorway or in a room as a token of good will and peace to all comers.

Viking Myth

In Scandinavia, the Evil God Loke blinded by jealousy killed the Sun God Balder with a poison arrow made of the stem of a mistletoe. His mother, Frigg Goddess of love and Beauty begged the gods to spare Balder life, otherwise, darkness will fall on Earth, promising to kiss anyone who passes under a mistletoe. Balder resuscitated. From this legend was born the custom to kiss under the mistletoe, becoming symbol of love and forgiveness.

Christianity

When Christianity took a foothold in the Celtic and Viking regions of northern Europe, the ancient ways were condemned as pagan practices and were abandoned by the newly converted. Mistletoe was one of the casualties, and for centuries it was forbidden to display the plant on Christian altars. Eventually, Mistletoe found its way back into acceptance and was revived the ancient ritual of kissing under the Mistletoe as a sign of love, romance and good luck.

Today, Mistletoe can be purchased at most flower shops and even some grocery stores at Christmas. And although some may not hold the same spiritual beliefs as the ancient Norseman and the Celts, they can always remember the good will and happiness it represents with a kiss under the Mistletoe this season.