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A pagan belief, that holly was a symbol of fertility and eternal life
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A pagan belief, that holly was a symbol of fertility and eternal life
A pagan belief, that holly was a symbol of fertility and eternal life, this took place on the Twelfth Night, burning holly tree branch was carried through the village, followed by a brass band. Date: 1825
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Media ID 23033266
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1820s 1825 Band Belief Beliefs Branches Brass Brough Burning Carried Ceremony Cumbria Druid Eternal Fertility Holly Pagan Procession Processions Season Symbol Torch Tradition Traditions Twelfth Westmorland January
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the essence of an ancient pagan tradition that once thrived in the rural communities of England during the 1820s. The holly tree, with its glossy, evergreen leaves and bright red berries, was deeply revered as a symbol of fertility and eternal life by our ancestors. The Twelfth Night, celebrated on January 6th, marked the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the new year. In this scene, villagers from Brough in Westmorland, Cumbria, carry a holly tree branch through the village streets. The branch is ablaze, illuminated by the flickering light of torches carried by the procession. The air is filled with the pungent smell of smoke and the sound of a brass band playing lively tunes, adding to the festive atmosphere. The holly branch, once burned, was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the village. This tradition, which can be traced back to the Druids and the ancient Celts, was a powerful reminder of the connection between nature and the cycles of life. As the procession makes its way through the village, the flames cast long, dancing shadows on the snow-covered ground, creating a magical and mystical scene. The holly tree, with its fiery branches, stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the deep-rooted beliefs that shaped our ancestors' lives. This photograph, taken in 1825, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when the natural world held a profound significance, and the passage of the seasons was marked by meaningful and communal celebrations.
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