Druids gathering the sacred mistletoe
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Druids gathering the sacred mistletoe
Druids gathering the sacred mistletoe. They regarded it as a symbol of fertility, and hung it over doorways for protection against evil. They also used it in human sacrifice, which is possibly what is about to happen in this picture
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Media ID 4307265
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10006432
Ceremony Doorways Druid Druids Evil Fertility Gathering Human Mistletoe Pagan Paganism Protection Sacred Sacrifice Sickle Symbol
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative image, a group of Druids, the ancient pagan religious order of Europe, are depicted in the act of gathering sacred mistletoe from an oak tree. The Druids held the mistletoe in high esteem, regarding it as a powerful symbol of fertility and a protector against evil. During their winter solstice celebrations, they would cut the mistletoe using a sickle, ensuring that only the plant that grew on an oak tree was considered sacred. The Druids believed that the mistletoe, which grew without roots, was a representation of the eternal life force and was therefore imbued with divine power. They would hang the mistletoe over doorways as a protective charm, ensuring that their homes and communities were shielded from harm. However, the Druids' reverence for the mistletoe extended beyond its protective properties. It was also believed to be an essential component in their human sacrifices, which were carried out to appease their gods and ensure the continuity of the natural world. The exact nature of these sacrifices remains a mystery, but it is believed that they were carried out in a sacred grove, where the Druids would conduct their most solemn rituals. Despite the passage of time and the spread of Christianity, the Druids' reverence for the mistletoe endured. The plant became a popular decoration during the winter festivities, and the tradition of hanging mistletoe over doorways for good luck and to encourage romantic encounters continues to this day. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex history of the Druids and their beliefs, providing a window into a world that seems both distant and yet strangely familiar.
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