Originally Posted by
Father Bill
For those who are so interested:
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The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year (21st December) and was celebrated in Britain long before the arrival of Christianity. The Druids (Celtic priests) would cut the mistletoe that grew on the oak tree and give it as a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months.
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I don't want to rain on your parade Bill, but mistletoe growing on oak trees in the UK is a very very rare thing. Actually, almost never might be more accurate. I have never seen it doing so. I actually took the trouble to Google the subject just and it confirms my experience. Mistletoe commonly grows on apple trees, poplars, hawthorn, limes and other trees, but not oak.
The mistletoe harvest down South, particularly from the fruit orchards of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire were/are harvested at this time of year and sold at a special one day market at Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire. In a good year for berries on the mistletoe, many tens of thousands of Pounds(£) of it were-----still are--- sold. I am not sure though, if the event has taken part this year for obvious reasons.
Last edited by Jock Scot; 21st December 20 at 12:56 PM.
" Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.
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