Ivy was thought to prevent you getting drunk, predict death and love and treat various skin conditions. Read on to find out why and how this was done.
Ivy is a native evergreen climbing plant, which climbs using stem roots. It is mainly found on the forest floor, climbing up walls and trees. It has two types of leaves; The early leaves which are 3 or 5 lobed, shiny dark green with pale veins and as the plant grows up and is lit more, the leaves change into their ‘mature’ shape, which is heart-shaped.
Ivy has yellow-green five-petalled flowers in clusters in September to October. These flowers are an important late source of nectar for many insects. After the flowers have been fertilised the berries ripen very slowly over winter, ripening from green to black in late winter. These are an important food source for birds when there is not much else for them to eat. It is also an important plant for nesting birds, and gives shelter for birds and the insects they feed on.
Every part of ivy is poisonous if eaten in large quantities, especially the berries which contains saponins to deter snails and slugs. The sap is also an irritant for many people. However, ivy was used as a winter fodder and had many traditional medicinal uses. These include a treatment for corns by applying a poultice of vinegar soaked leaves to the corns. Burns and scalds were treated with ivy leaves boiled in butter. Other uses include treatment of skin complaints, coughs, colds. And the leaves were also used to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation. A black dye was also made from the leaves to dye clothes.
Many myths, legends and customs surround ivy, this is possibly because is it such a common plant.
Ivy used to be hung in cattle sheds, as it was said to have protective powers, especially against witches and was this was also said to increase milk yields. At Christmas time it was made into garlands around windows, sometimes whitening the berries with starch for a more festive feel. It was thought to be unlucky to bring ivy in the house at any other time.
Ivy was dedicated to the Roman god of wine, Bacchus in Classical legend. Wearing an ivy wreath showed your devotion to Bacchus and also prevented intoxication. It was also thought that, as ivy could smother grape vines, ivy berries could cure the effects of alcohol. and poisoned wine drunk from an ivy cup was set to render the poison useless and wouldn’t get you drunk. This is why ivy shows up in a lot of pub names, especially around Britain.
Ivy is associated with enduring fertility and life, due to it being evergreen. Traditionally people laid ivy wreaths on graves on All Saints’ and All Souls’ day. Death divinations were carried out at Halloween by putting an unblemished ivy leaf for each member of the family, in a separate glass. If the leaf was still unblemished the next morning the person would live for another year. If it was blemished the person would die within a year.
On the other hand, due to its self-clinging nature, ivy is associated with fidelity and loyalty since ancient times. It is often found in bridal bouquets and Ancient Greek priests gave an ivy wreath to newly weds. It is also a sacred plant in Egypt. Love divination are said be carried by placing ivy leaves under your pillow. In your dreams you will then see the man you are going to marry. This tradition was mainly carried out on New Year’s Eve.
I hope this makes you see ivy in a whole new light, and not just as another evergreen plant that climbs up trees and walls.
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