The mistletoe is found in several counties in England, but the bulk of that which we have now at Christ-tide comes from Brittany. There is a popular belief that it grows on oaks, possibly on account of Druidical tradition to that effect, but, as a matter of fact, its connection with that tree in England is very rare, Dr. Ball, in a paper in the _Journal of Botany_, only mentioning seven authentic instances of its growth on the oak tree in this country. It principally makes its _habitat_ on the apple, poplar, hawthorn, lime, maple, and mountain ash, and has been found on the cedar of Lebanon and the laurel.
The bay tree was believed to have the property of protection against fire or lightning. The ivy was considered to prevent intoxication, and for this reason Bacchus is represented as being crowned with ivy leaves. The holly was originally the Holy Tree, and tradition says that, unknown before, it sprang up in perfection and beauty beneath the footsteps of Christ when he first trod the earth, and that, though man has forgotten its attributes, the beasts all reverence it, and are never known to injure it.
The four following carols are all of the fifteenth century:
Holly and Ivy made a great party, Who should have the mastery In lands where they go.
Then spake Holly, "I am fierce and jolly, I will have the mastery In lands where we go."
Then spake Ivy, "I am loud and proud, And I will have the mastery In lands where we go."
Then spake Holly, and set him down on his knee, "I pray thee, gentle Ivy, say[41] me no villany In lands where we go."
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, now sing we. Here comes Holly, that is so gent,[42] To please all men is his intent, Alleluia.
But Lord and Lady of this Hall, Whosoever against Holly call. Alleluia.
Whosoever against Holly do cry, In a lepe[43] he shall hang full high. Alleluia.
Whosoever against Holly doth sing, He may weep and hands wring. Alleluia.
The most worthy she is in town, He that saith other, doth amiss; And worthy to bear the crown; _Veni coronaberis._
Ivy is soft and meek of speech, Against all bale she is bliss; Well is he that may her reach, _Veni coronaberis._
Ivy is green with colour bright, Of all trees best she is; And that I prove well now be right, _Veni coronaberis._