In Yule celebrations long ago, evergreens were commonly used for rituals and decorations. The trees' steadfastness in the face of bitter cold and dark gave people hope that the sun would indeed come back to warm the earth again. Any tree that can bear the cold must be pretty powerful, right?
One evergreen- mistletoe- plays a special role duing the holiday season. Since Tuscaloosa is also known as "Druid City", every Tuscaloosan might be interested in learning more about the importance of mistletoe to the Druids. The Druids held mistletoe to be sacred, believing it had healing power and promoted fertility. The custom of kissing underneath it probably relates to its ability to make one fruitful.
Also, according to legends and drawings, the Holly King uses a golden sickle to cut mistletoe from the gnarled branches of an oak tree. Holly and mistletoe are both traditionally hung during mid-winter to represent the transition of power from the Holly King (who rules the waning year) to the Oak King (who reigns over the waxing year).
In Britain and the Northlands, evergreens were used to chase away the winter demons. Many farmers tied apples to evergreens to express their hopes for a new harvest. May your holidays be filled with intoxicating scent of evergreens...
