Ivy in the Celtic mythology
Ivy, the ubiquitous creeping and climbing plant of the Araliaceae family, occupies a prominent place in Christmas celebrations despite its invasive nature and potential risks, including toxic berries and foliage that can cause skin allergies.
In the Celtic tradition, it was associated with the goddess who preserved life during the harsh winter months, with holly being her divine counterpart. Holly, with its thorns and rigidity, symbolised masculinity, while ivy, with its graceful and elegant vines, represents femininity.
These two plants were also often used together in wreaths and decorations as symbols of Resurrection and Eternity.
Their intertwining embodies the cyclical nature of life, where death gives way to rebirth and the promise of new beginnings is always present.
Cornish legend of Tristan and Iseult
In Celtic tradition, the plant symbolises Eternal Fidelity and is associated with the legend of the beautiful Irish princess Isolde and the Cornish knight Tristan.
The King of Cornwall charged Tristan with escorting Isolde from Ireland to Cornwall for their wedding. But Tristan and Isolde mistakenly ingested a love potion, which caused them to fall madly in love.
The king had Tristan put to death, but the love that he and Isolde shared was so deep that she died of grief upon learning of his death.
The king, jealous of Tristan’s influence, even beyond death, ordered that their tombs be kept far apart. However, soon, ivy, the symbol of their eternal love and fidelity, began to grow on each grave. Its tendrils extended towards each other and intertwined, forming an indissoluble knot of love, thus recalling the eternal bond between the two lovers.
Greek and Roman mythology
In Greek mythology, the plant also held a sacred place as a symbol of Fidelity and Eternal Love. The newlyweds received an ivy crown from the priest, signifying the indissoluble union of marriage and bringing them Fertility and Happiness.
The Romans, renowned for their lavish festivities, associated it with Bacchus, the God of Wine, who wore a crown of ivy to protect himself against drunkenness. This tradition has its roots in Greek mythology, where the plant is called Kissos. Legend has it that Kissos, Bacchus’s son tragically died while playing with his father. Overwhelmed with grief, Bacchus tried in vain to resurrect his beloved son. Moved by his pain, Gaia, the Mother Goddess, transformed Kissos into ivy, a symbol of Eternal Life. In memory of his son, Bacchus incorporated the plant into his crown.
This ancient tradition is rooted in Christian symbolism, where ivy has become the symbol of deep attachment to God and the unwavering faith of believers.
Besides ivy, other plants such as Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettia also hold special significance during Christmas celebrations, each carrying its own symbolism and cultural associations.
