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| Photograph © Jonathan Briggs |
There was a feeling of warmth and friendship as 89 members and guests arrived at Linden House for our Christmas lunch. We were welcomed by seasonal music, played on the piano by Simon Bott, the Linden House manager. The hall was seasonally decorated in red and green and there were fresh, evergreen arrangements on the tables, made by committee members. Candles were lit, crackers were pulled and everyone was served a delicious Christmas meal.
Feeling replete and mellow after a glass of wine, the audience sat back to listen to the guest speaker, Jonathan Briggs, talking about mistletoe. He was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable expert on the subject and told us about the mysteries of mistletoe, illustrated by a presentation showing its cultivation and harvest. It is found growing widespread in the Midlands, as there are still many apple orchards here.The simplistic shape of the leaves and the white berries have sometimes inspired Art Nouveau artists; Lalique is a good example.
In the past, druids and pagans believed mistletoe to have magical properties involving life and fertility as well as healing powers, hence the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe!Although many viewed it suspiciously, perhaps because the plant grows parasitically upon apple and oak trees, the tradition of bringing mistletoe into the house at Christmas has continued.
Jonathan was thanked for his informative talk as were the Linden House staff for an excellent lunch which was enjoyed by all.
I hope you all had a good Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year!
