Celebrated in carols and depicted on cards, holly, ivy, mistletoe and Christmas trees are as integral to our festivities as turkey, crackers and the Queen’s Christmas Message. But have you ever wondered how and why these plantsbecame part of our traditional celebrations? The stories behind why we welcome such greenery into our homes are fascinating.
The custom of kissing under the mistletoe can be traced back at least to the 14th century, although it may be much, much older, as mistletoe was especially venerated by the Druids. Hung just inside the door of the house, any visitor had to be embraced as they crossed the threshold. By the 16th century, in an effort to curb the possible excesses of this custom, it was decided that each time a visitor had been kissed, a berry should be removed from the sprig and, when no berries remained, the kissing had to stop!
Christmas tree
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin November 16 - 23, 2021 (Double Issue) sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin November 16 - 23, 2021 (Double Issue) sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
How to protect YOUR SKIN
Reduce your risk of skin damage and ageing, and spot the signs of skin cancer early, with our expert advice
Coping with...MENOPAUSE EMOTIONS
For some, the psychological impact of what is a normal phase in life can be very tricky to navigate
Patch perfect
Stitch this sweet turtle pincushion using English paper piecing techniques
Join our new craft campaign!
Stitch or knit a twiddle mat or arm muff for people with dementia
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Low-allergy GARDENS
All the fun of growing - with fewer sniffles
Buckets OF FUN!
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk’s biggest resort, offers oodles of classic seaside enjoyment
Super-speedy SUPPERS
Veggie mushroom and pepper stroganoff, Chicken tandoori masala, Quick fish and chips with mushy pea guacamole, Midweek flatbread pizza, One-pan lasagne
The other FAB JOUR
When John Lennon first met them, he disparagingly said that girls don't play guitars. But that didn't stop England's first all-female band, The Liverbirds
'Cooking at home is life and a pleasure'
THIS WEEK’S COLUMNIST TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall