Ivy, Laurel, Rosemary –Three essential symbols of Christmas

The world loves to celebrate Christmas and this eternal love has prompted mankind to celebrate it in different forms in different geographical areas. But then there are many common rituals that are followed unanimously all over the world. And there are some pious symbols that are associated with Christmas for some reason or the other. Flowers play an important role in Christmas celebration and especially in Europe some flowers are given extra ordinary importance mainly due to their association with Christmas celebration. Ivy, Laurel and Rosemary are among those lucky flowers which play important role in Christmas celebration. Ivy, Laurel and rosemary are some of the flowers that are given special position in the Christmas celebration. Let us have a look at their individual importance.

Ivy

Pagan religion has hailed Ivy to be the symbol of eternal life. It also served as the symbol of Bacchus, the God of wine and revelry. Eternity has always baffled human beings and it can be understood that any thing associated with eternity is bound to have extraordinary importance. The Christians believe Ivy to bestow new promise of eternity and thus is given a very special place on the celebration of Christ’s birthday. England considers Ivy to be feminine and holly is the masculine form.

Laurel

Laurel has been in use for decorative purpose in ancient Rome. The first ever Christians used laurel extensively in order to decorate their homes at Saturnalia. But it is not only for decorative purpose that laurel is used but it has a mythological importance as well. According to ancient Roman belief laurel was extremely sacred to Sun god Apollo. Sun God was of primary importance to the Romans and thus laurel emerged as an extremely important religious symbol. Later with the advent of Christianity it gained importance with Christians as well. It became the symbol of victory of humanity and the human race over the evil powers and was being represented by Son Man. It is interesting to know that laurel is scarce in England and thus sometimes substitutions like common cherry laurel and Portugal laurel are used.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another extensively used plant during the Christmas. Like the other plants used during the Christmas celebration the Rosemary too has its own history. It is interesting to note that rosemary has its name derived from the name of Virgin Mary.

During the Middle Ages rosemary was extremely popular during Christmas celebrations. It was generally popular for its sweet smell. It was spread over the floor and as people walked on it a pleasant aroma arose to fill up the senses of the people present there. This gave rise to a sacred atmosphere and that suited well the occasion of Christmas. Mythology offers a very special position to rosemary. It was rosemary that lent its branches to Mary for the purpose of laying the clothes of newly born Jesus Christ. Consequently the tree was laden with flowers and fruits and the blossom was off season. This was a kind of miracle and thus rosemary is an integral part of Christmas celebration.