Kissing bough
A Kissing Bough is a traditional Christmas decoration in England. Also called a Christmas-bough or mistletoe-bough,[1] it has the shape of a sphere or globe with a frame made of wire.[2][3]
History
The history of this tradition dates back hundreds of years in England during the early Middle Ages.[4]
It was customary in Europe to hang a small treetop, upside down as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. This was not only used at Christmas but was seen as a year-round symbol of heavenly blessings towards the members of each household. It was generally acceptable for visitors to do symbolic embrace with the master and mistress of the house under the bough. This showed that they brought only goodwill [5] with them during the visit.
At the present day, the bough has become more elaborate with ribbons, nuts, apples and candles. The whole frame is covered with greenery. Red apples or oranges may be hung from ribbons in the centre and mistletoe is tied below. Additionally candles may be clipped to the frame and bright streamers are attached to the top. Another form that the Kissing Bough can take is that of a crown with a structure composed of only the top half of the globe.
References
- ↑ The Calenig or Gift, Mabel Peacock, Folklore, Vol. 13, No. 2 (1902), pp. 202-203
- ↑ Correspondence, F Seargent, Folklore, Vol. 67, No. 1 (1956), p. 51
- ↑ The Kissing Bough, Margaret Dean Smith, Folklore, Vol. 67, No. 3 (1956), pp. 178-179
- ↑ Kissing Bough Retrieved 10 April 2013
- ↑ Customs from England Retrieved 10 April 2013
External links
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