The Lubbock avalanche. (Lubbock, Tex.) 1909-1922, 1921-12-16
HOLLY AND MISTLETOE
ROMANCES OF CHRISTMAS GREENS

Even the most prosaic of us have some ro-
nance in our natures. Especially is this true at
Christmas time, when all the world is glad.
The romances that have surrounded the
Christmas greens come TO us through the cen
turtles. They date as far back into the dim dis
tant land of long ago as history can lead us.
And these romances are really fascinating when
we consider the antiquity and the simple folk
that believed in them.
The mstletoe, or Mistl-tau. as it once was
called, means different twig." And so it was
different in every way from the oak on which
il grew. IL had no doubt been brought to its
lofty hiding place by some bird who ate the
berry and left the seed.
Our holly in this country was found growing
in the New England hills by the Pilgrims. They
must have welcomed il as q bit of the landscape
from home. Perhaps it was among the very
few cheerful things they had that first winter.
In the language of the flowers, mstetoe
means II surmount difficulties" Surely
worthy sentiment, even if not quite Christ
MASSEY. The holly means foresight. Equally
worth while don't you think?
The legends of the holly date as far back as
the time Of Zoroaster when his pupils, one old
book tells us, held il in great reverence because
they believed the sun never cast shadow from
IT,
The lovely tree, with its shiny leaves and
brilliant berries, has in some countries in the
past become almost an object Of worship. And
here in America, while we do not worship il,
surely we love il. Our arms are never too heav-
ily-laden with bundles 10 reject a bunch of holly.
The Hindu women even now are said to
sprinkle their newborn babes with water steep
ed in holly wood For surely, they reason, IL
will keep away evil spirits and invite the vista
ton of those Of good omen. The peasants of
Ireland in the days Of long ago used to decorate
Hi. 90 IN,
winter to propitiate the fairies and gain their
favor
In England they had what they termed "he"
and "she" holly The "he" holly was thorny
and the "she" holly smooth and not scratchy.
Then, according to the roughness or smoothness
of the holly bark brought into the house at
Christmas could be told whether man or wife
would be the ruler for the coming months.
In ancient times the holly was considered
symbol OF the life of nature" Ii was gather
ed in pagan temples TO comfort the sylvan spir
its during the general death of winter.
charming thought, don't you think?
The Swedish people are people surrounded
with an atmosphere of folk lore and legends
They wear ring OF mistletoe TO ward off Ill
ness This is an up-to-date custom still in evid-
ence An outcome of an old legend assuring
the peasants that when out with a golden
hook, the wood Of this parasite would cure
poison.
In Austria, 80 an ancient book on superSu-
ton tells u.s. sprig of mistetoe was laid al
the bedroom door. 80 that the inmates would
have sweet sleep and beautiful dreams.
In England, a few centuries ago, when none
Of these parasites could be found in any Of their
mighty oaks in the locality. the people became
thoughtful for this was a sure sign OF dire
calamity about to overtake them--usually in
the form of famine or pestience.
One old story tells us that the mistetoe ber-
ries were created by the falling of the tears OF
Venus when she had inadvertently been wound
ed by one of Cupid's arrows. Further on in the
same book we are assured that Cupids arrows
leave no wounds The warriors Of old thought
the holly an effective remedy for wounds ana n
sure bringer Of unusual success in hunting.
And now for those IN doubt az 20 the out
come of their affairs of this last month of the
fast-fading year of 1920. BE not discouraged
but read mark and follow this advice, but do
if you want your testers of al wishes TO come
true, make your circle in draft.
First, solemnly and thoughtfully make
circle in front of your fire. Oh, yes, your fire
NAV be merely prosac radiator. Next take
two perfect leaves of the Christmas mistletoe
name one Yourself and place it in the circle
The other name after your sweetheart and place
il outside the circle. IL the fates decree that
he is to marry you, then he will Immediately
be lifted into your circle, and let US hope all
will be well
The Druids loved and reverenced the mistle-
toe IL an h-Druid. while cutting this much
coveted parasite. accidentally let his golden