History of holiday greenery

Listen to this radio story on the history of holidy greenery (MP3 download)

This time of year, mantles, stairways and front doors are festively decorated with holly, mistletoe and fresh evergreens. Since the holidays are about tradition for many people, chances are we decorate with these items because that's how our parents and grandparents did it. But there's really more to it than that. Each of these types of greenery has its roots in history. For example, early Roman Christians adopted holly as a sacred plant. They believed that the cross on which Christ was crucified was made of holly wood, and the crown of thorns was actually holly leaves with white berries stained red by the blood of Christ.

Radio interview source: Lynn Ross-Bryant, religious studies professor, University of Colorado

Learn more about the history and folklore associated with holiday greenery:

Origins of Christmas traditions: Professor Ross-Bryant explains why we do what we do on Christmas.

Christmas history and traditions: How was Christmas celebrated centuries ago? Why do we hang mistletoe and eat candy canes? Find the answers to these questions and more.

Holiday greenery folklore: Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and evergreen trees are all used in the celebration of Christmas, but all for very different reasons.