We all know about the yule log, but do you know about the “yule” logomachy? (A “logomachy,” pronounced “lah-GAHM-ah-kee,” is a dispute about words.)
One group of scholars (“The Big Wheels”) suggest “yule” is derived from the old Germanic word “Iol” (also “Iul,” “Giul”), meaning “wheel,” because the wheel of the year begins its revolution anew at the winter solstice.
But another group (“The Pagans”) denounce this wheel theory as circular reasoning. They say “yule” comes from the Old English “geol,” a pagan feast celebrating the winter solstice, and they see a link between the bonfires set during these “geols” and the tradition of the yule log.
Which side of this burning issue is correct? “Yule” have to decide.
Meanwhile, back at the branch, let’s examine the origins of two words for Christmas plants …
–Holly — Even though “holly” is associated with Christmas and sometimes called the “holy tree,” it’s not derived from the word “holy.” It grows instead from “holen” or “holegn,” the Old English word for trees and shrubs with glossy leaves and bright red berries.
Holly has long been associated with Christianity and Yuletide. Some say Christ’s crown of thorns was fashioned from holly leaves. This theory proposes that the holly berries on the crown were white at first but then turned red as blood dripped from Christ’s brow.
Through the centuries, many mystical powers have been ascribed to holly, including the ability to ward off witches, thunderstorms, cold weather and telemarketers.
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–Ivy — In the same league with “holly” is “ivy,” which grows from the Old English “ifig.” (But don’t be drawn into the figgy pudding of linking “ifig” to “fig”; “fig” derives from the Latin “ficus”).
Although originally the emblem of the Roman god of wine, Bacchus, ivy later acquired bleaker associations of clinging human frailty and mortality. Thus, ivy was often banished to the outside of the house, forced to smoosh its nose to the window as it watched plants with cheerier associations — holly, bay and fir — cavorting inside.
That’s why many poems and songs juxtapose the somber ivy with the jolly holly.
May you and yours enjoy a jolly “holly” day season!
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Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Conn., invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via e-mail to Wordguy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
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