DECK THE HALLS

Christmas is not the best time of the year for flowers and plants, yet the Bible and Biblical traditions provide us with a wealth of stories concerning flowers, many of which are associated with the birth of Jesus.

When the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to inform her that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus he carried a lily in his hand. The lily signified innocence and purity and has come to be regarded as the special flower of the Virgin Mary.

The birth of Jesus in a humble stable has also given ample opportunity for further legends. While the tired parents slept, Jesus was placed in a manger filled with sainfoin. When they woke, they were astonished to find that the dry hay had blossomed and the baby was surrounded by its beautiful red flower. Ever since, sainfoin has been known as Holy Hay. Afterwards, Mary prepared the bedding of the crib where the baby slept with a white variety of Lady's Bedstraw. Legend has it that the humble plant was so overcome by the honour of the occasion, that its white flowers became golden. Rosemary has always had a close association with the holy birth. When Mary spread the baby's swaddling clothes over a bush "to dry in the sweet of the morning", the flowers appeared profusely with a wonderful scent. Rosemary flowers were traditionally white, but after Mary had honoured them, they became a beautiful purple. Tradition also says that Rosemary gave protection to the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. Its green bushy leaves provided a perfect cover from Herod's soldiers.

Lungwort, with its white spotted leaves and blue and pink flowers, has been called Mary's Tears. Other flowers dedicated in particular to Mary are the marigold, the buttercup and the daisy which were picked by her as she chose flowers for her baby. The tiny marks on the petals of the daisy were said to be from Mary as she pricked her fingers when collecting various flowers. One of the loveliest stories concerning the flight into Egypt tells the story of a shimmering blue field of flax which Mary and Joseph momentarily stopped to admire. As they rested, a sympathetic farmer warned them that Herod's soldiers were nearby. Since there was nowhere else to hide, the flax parted and made a cradle for the baby and the rippling waves of flax in the field closed over the family. Ever since, flax has been blessed and abundant in the countryside.

Of course, holly is traditionally associated with Christmas by us all. A holly tree grew close to the stable, but had no red berries on it since they had been eaten by wild birds. When this tree saw the star shining above the stable, it burst into blossom and produced an innumerable number of scarlet berries in honour of the new-born King. From that time onwards, the holly tree's reward was to be evergreen and to produce red berries at this time of year. Indeed, for many centuries afterwards, the holly tree gained many magical qualities in country folklore.

It was the ordinary wild flowers and plants of the countryside which were loved and have given rise to so many beautiful traditions. They have come to embody the Christmas spirit for us today.

DAVID WATKINS