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The Magical Herbs of
Christmas - staff
What would Christmas or the holiday time
be like without the magical contribution of herbs? Traditional uses
bring myths to life, scent our homes, decorate our trees, flavor our
foods and comfort the heart in the shape of a gift.
Herbs have been associated with spiritual
stories for many thousands of years. Bedstraw, chamomile, horehound,
lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sweet woodriff are associated with the
legend of the manger, not to exclude the royal gifts of frankincense and
myrrh, as well as the mistletoe of the ancient druids. Herbs can add
decorative or culinary delight to a traditional holiday setting.
According to Phyllis V. Shaudy’s,
Herbal Treasures, legend has it that Mary draped her wash to dry
over lavender and rosemary plants and as a result the swaddling clothes
of the baby Jesus gave the previously unscented lavender its lovely
fragrance while her cloak changed the color of the rosemary blossoms
from white to blue. Bedstraw, chamomile, horehound, thyme, and sweet
woodriff were said to have been mixed with the manger grasses.
We are mostly familiar with the gifts of
frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus from the wise men. Both are
small trees or shrubs found growing in the southern Arabic peninsula and
Africa. Frankincense had been used for thousands of years in India for
making incense for worship. Today you may want to include their scents
in a holiday potpourri. Both can be obtained at any herbal outlet but
can be expensive.
Mistletoe of course dates back to the
ancient Celts whose high-ranking priests or druids, believed it to be
sacred because it remained green all year round and due to its sacred
status it was brought in on winter solstice and hung for protection.
English and old Norse myths and customs contributed to its reputation as
a symbol of love.
The cloves from which one of our most
beloved holiday scents is derived is also an herb containing both
medicinal and culinary properties and is particularly desirable in our
holiday foods, crafts, and decorations.
Many other herbs may of course be
included in holiday trimmings. Decorative items may be crafted from or
to include herbs. Some ideas are pomanders, miniature wreaths, sachets,
potpourri, miniature tussie mussies, spice balls, ornaments, yule logs,
candles, and soaps, large wreaths of fresh or dried herbs, arrangements
and centerpieces.
Holiday foods include many uses for
herbal seasoning. Sage is a staple in our dressing, clove in our pumpkin
pie and fruitcakes, anise and mint in breads, herbal vinegars, herbal
butters, dips. The holiday season is the perfect time to really enjoy
the many uses of herbs as seasonings. They will add a splash of gourmet
to your meals without much in added cost and your guests will be wowed
by the excitement of the fresh flavor and the unique taste that they
just can’t quite put their finger on.
Gifts from herbs can be a lasting
favorite as the scent lingers for years to come and many times may be
enjoyed season after season.
Be sure to include these magical,
seasonal herbs in your holiday this year!
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