Victorian Christmas Traditions
The Victorian Kissing Ball, Christmas Tree and Use of Winter Berries
Dec 15, 2008
The Victorians incorporated the use of a number of different plants into Christmas celebrations; the Victorian home was decorated with greenery such as Holly (Ilex), Mistletoe (Viscum album) and Ivy (Hedera helix), as well as evergreen boughs, which were then fashioned into festive Christmas garlands, wreaths and swags. The tradition of a Christmas tree in the home was also introduced during the reign of Queen Victoria.
The Victorian Christmas Tree
Queen Victoria of England (1819 – 1901) married Prince Albert of Germany in 1840; in Germany, it was a common tradition to place a lighted, evergreen tree, in the home at Christmas time and this tradition was popularized in England by Prince Albert. In the 1840s, Prince Albert introduced the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle in England. The Christmas tree was decorated with lighted candles and it was traditional to place Christmas presents beneath the tree. Christmas trees became as traditional as Christmas carols.
The Victorian Use of Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe at Christmas
Winter berry plants, such as Holly (Ilex), Ivy (Hedera helix) and Mistletoe (Viscum album), were considered magical Christmas plants; Holly was made into Christmas wreaths and garlands to decorate doors, windows and fireplace mantles. It was also a Victorian Christmas tradition to use Holly to decorate the traditional Christmas pudding; the Christmas pudding, a rich, plum pudding, was a favorite German tradition of Prince Albert.
The red 'male' berry of Holly was said to protect the home from witchcraft and could only be brought into the home by a male; the evergreen 'female Ivy plant was said to be a sign of immortality. Mistletoe was traditionally not permitted inside churches, due to its 'pagan' origins; it is thought that the Druids used Winter berry plants to welcome the wandering spirits of nature into the home, to keep the spirits safe from the cold and dark of Winter.
Victorian Kissing Balls
Mistletoe was also used in a Victorian kissing ball; alternatively called a kissing bell or kissing bough, Victorian kissing balls became a popular Christmas custom. Victorian kissing balls could also be used for weddings and other social occasions. The Victorians practiced the language of flowers, placing great emphasis on the meaning of flowers and plants given as gifts and as use in decorations; for example, Mistletoe was interpreted as overcoming difficulties.
Victorian kissing balls were elaborate affairs; in addition to the use of Mistletoe and other evergreen plants, such as Bay and Pine (Pinus spp.), flowers and herbs, including those of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Thyme (Thymus spp.) may have been used. Ribbon and glitter held the plants and flowers together in a ball; traditionally, a Victorian kissing ball had an apple or potato base. Again, considerable thought was given to the plants and flowers chosen for a kissing ball, according to the Victorian meanings in the language of flowers.
References:
Gruenberg, Louise 1996 (December/January) The Herb Companion: Mistletoe: The Kissing Ball USA: Ogden Publications Magazine
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