Winter Bough

Long ago, the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples celebrated the twelve days of Yule in midwinter in honor of the long-bearded Norse god Odin. Animals were sacrificed and roasted for a feast, gifts given, poetry recited, and many toasts made with mead and ale.

Plants and trees that remained evergreen throughout winter regarded as sacred and magical hung in wreaths of pine, fir, spruce, mistletoe, and holly over entrances and openings to keep away evil and illness and to bring good fortune in the coming year.