BEST OF BRITAIN
returns was thought to be the day to get rid of all the boxes and packages that contained their presents. Historically, however, Boxing Day was a day off for servants and they would receive a Christmas box with small gifts from their masters.
Holly and Ivy The evergreens were originally used in pre-Christian times to celebrate the win- ter solstice and are now synonymous with Christmas. Hollies, in the form of a circular wreath, were said to represent the crown of thorns that Christ was forced to wear on the cross. As mean- ings have changed, now wreaths, holly and ivy are used to mark the Christmas spirit, welcome visitors and add a splash of colour to the darkest month.
Mince pies Before becoming the fruit-filled sweet pies we know them now, mince pies used to be filled with various meats such as: pigeon, hare, pheasant rabbit, ox, lamb or mutton and mixed with fruits, sugar and spice. Meat had disappeared from the recipe by Victorian times, al- though beef suet is often still used. Mince pies are thought to be a modern
descendant of the Christmas Pye, where the oblong shape it would be presented in was said to represent the cradle that nestled Christ.
Mistletoe According to a Norse myth, the ever- green has been associated with life and fertility, based on a legend where Goddess Frigg cried white berries in devastation of losing her son, who was killed by a mistletoe arrow. He was brought back to life and in sheer happi- ness Frigg blessed the plant and prom- ised to kiss anyone who passed beneath it. From there mistletoe would be hung and visitors would have their hands kissed, which then developed into the full smack on the lips we have today.
Turkey Before turkey became the staple meat during Christmas, a head of a boar, roast goose or pheasant would have been the centrepiece at the dinner table. That was until William Strickland, a trader, had imported turkeys and sold them in Bristol in 1526. The bird gained a following as they were tasty, more practical than cows which were more useful alive and cheaper than chickens.
Henry VIII was the first English king to enjoy turkey, but it was Edward VII who made it tradition for the poultry to be eaten at Christmas, particularly for the middle class. Turkey gained its popularity across societies much later, as before then it was difficult for people who didn’t have money or the room to refrig- erate such a large bird.
Xmas An alternative name for Christmas in Britain is considered to be a handy ab- breviation as it is fewer characters to write or type – however it does have a religious meaning. The ‘X’ came from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of Χρήστος, which means Christ.
Christmas customs may change and adapt to the time but to know the reasoning and beginnings of some of these traditions is all part of the festive fun.
Naeemah Miah is Assistant Editor of FOCUS, a sub-editor and writer
naeemahmiah@gmail.com
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FOCUS The Magazine 25
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