0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- The festive season is the highlight - of the year for many of us.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- It's a time to celebrate...
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- ..a time - to be friendly and sociable...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- ..a time to decorate...
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- ..give presents...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- ..and indulge.
0:00:25 > 0:00:31- Celebrating midwinter was an - important part of people's lives...
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- ..long before the birth of Christ.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- Celebrating the period when - daylight hours are at their least...
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- ..was very important - to the Celtic Druids...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..because it heralded the beginning - of longer daylight hours.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- They knew that the light - of the New Year was on its way.
0:01:13 > 0:01:19- Nature and life in general - is at its quietest in midwinter...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- ..though the robin redbreast - is an exception.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- While many plants wither, - others blossom.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- Mistletoe...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- ..holly and ivy.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- It is these which bring us hope - and a zest for life.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- These are the ancient origins - of many Christmas traditions.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- The robin redbreast, the wren...
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- ..the mistletoe, the pine cone...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..the ivy, the yew and the holly.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- These are - all associated with Christmas.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- But what exactly is the connection?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- The answer's simple.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- This is most prominent wildlife - during the middle of winter.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- The red and green colours stand out.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- The robin redbreast and wren - chirrup noisily throughout winter.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- Since most of the plants - have died...
0:02:33 > 0:02:39- ..it's easier to spot animals - on land, especially if they're red.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- There are many legends - relating to the robin's red chest.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Baby Jesus was born - on a very cold night.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- Joseph had lit a fire in the stable - to keep everyone warm.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- But the fire gradually died down.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Joseph went in search - of more firewood.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- While he was away, Mary worried - that the fire would die...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..and that the baby would be cold.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- But suddenly, - brown birds entered the stable...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..and flew around the fire, - using their wings as bellows...
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- ..so that the fire - would take hold once again.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- Unfortunately, the birds - flew too close to the fire...
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- ..and burnt their chests.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- To show her gratitude to the birds - for keeping her and the baby warm...
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- ..Mary gave them red chests.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- The robin redbreast - is one of the few birds...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- ..that sings throughout the year.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- The male and female, - which are identical...
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- ..look after their own - individual patch in winter.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- In doing so, - they sing loudly and clearly.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- They are also very tame birds and - tend to come very close to humans.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- They follow people - while they are gardening.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- By digging and raking the soil...
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- ..we unearth worms, - much to the delight of the robin.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- It would've followed large mammals - like deer around the forest...
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- ..knowing that they would - unearth worms with their feet.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- It was a convenient way - of finding food.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- During the Middle Ages, when man - started to control the forest...
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- ..by chopping down trees - for firewood...
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- ..the robin associated man with food - and followed him around.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- Since then, it's followed us - into our parks and gardens.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- Over time, the robin was such - a frequent visitor to our gardens...
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- ..that it became known - as Santa's robin...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- ..and was widely featured - on Christmas cards.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- Pictures of the robin - and depictions of nature...
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- ..were dominant - on the first Christmas cards.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- The first example of a robin - on a Christmas card was in 1862.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- At the time, Royal Mail employees - wore red jackets.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- They were called robin redbreasts. - That's one of the reasons.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- The robin redbreast...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- ..is a delightful character - in winter.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- It looks great on cards.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- What strikes me about these cards...
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- ..is the lack of religious imagery.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Perhaps it's a reflection - of the festive season.
0:06:28 > 0:06:34- It was midwinter and people were - looking ahead to the warmer months.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- That's the impression I get - from looking at them.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- Some of the greetings on the cards - are a reflection of that.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- Hope for the forthcoming months - and good luck in the New Year.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- Flowers are irrelevant - to the festive season.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- There are pansies, - lilies of the valley and roses.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- They're altogether symbols - of fertility...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- ..in the months to follow.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- What's the oldest card here?
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- What's the oldest card here?- - The earliest Christmas card...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..dates back to 1843.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- But the oldest in this selection - is this one, from 1871...
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- ..and this from 1880...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- ..when it was cheaper to post cards.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- There are many English ones but it's - nice to see old Welsh cards too.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- How old are the earliest Welsh ones?
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- I don't know the exact year - but we certainly have examples...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- ..from the end of the 19th century.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43- There are novel little messages in - Welsh wishing a merry Christmas...
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- ..and fun over the festive period.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Some of them feature Welsh poems...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- ..referring to snow, - bara brith and red holly.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- "Merry Christmas - and a happy New Year.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- "Warm festive wishes - - eat, drink and be merry."
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- Though it's a quiet season, - winter is teeming with wildlife.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- For many creatures, - it's a matter of survival.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- They are busy keeping alive - and well during this harsh season.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- There are - many handsome birds to be seen.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Birds like the brambling...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- ..the waxwing...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..and the fieldfare...
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- ..that have all migrated from - the continent to spend winter here.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- But for some reason, they are not - included in the Christmas tradition.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- That honour has been limited - to only a small company of wildlife.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28- .
0:09:30 > 0:09:30- Subtitles
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- BAND PLAYS
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- You know Christmas has arrived - when you see Santa and his reindeer.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Did you know that the reindeer...
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- ..are the only deer where - both the male and female have horns.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- But the male reindeer loses - his horns in autumn after mating.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23- What that means...
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- ..is that all of Santa's - reindeer are female.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- The female reindeer - retains her horns until spring...
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- ..since she uses them - to forage for food under the snow.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- She also uses them to protect her - young against predatory animals.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- They have adapted well - to freezing living conditions.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- Their feet are wide and prevent them - from sinking in the snow.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- They also have thick fur...
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- ..to keep them warm - in sub-zero temperatures.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Santa Claus and his reindeer - are an essential part of Christmas.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- For the majority, it's the most - important of the year's festivals.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- It's celebrated - in the depths of winter.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- In the past, - it was the best time to celebrate...
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- ..because work ceased on the land.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- It was - the only extended break of the year.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- All the agricultural work - came to an end.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- In Wales, the archaic Welsh name for - the festive period was Y Gwyliau.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- A season which lasted - 12 days after Christmas Day.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- It's been a tradition - since the Middle Ages.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- How long would they - have celebrated the festival?
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- From what I've read, it would've - lasted a fortnight to three weeks.
0:12:06 > 0:12:12- People accepted that Christmas was a - time to relax and enjoy themselves.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- They'd bring the plough into the - home and lay it under the table...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..so that they could take a break.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- They would've used the time - to celebrate and feast.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- They would've celebrated the - passing of the agricultural year...
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- ..and looked forward to the abundant - crops and fruitfulness of spring.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- So it wasn't - a family celebration...
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- ..but much more of a social event?
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- Yes. Take the Plygain service, - for instance.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- The entire village - would attend church...
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- ..late at night or early in the - morning to sing Christmas carols.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- There was certainly - plenty of community spirit long ago.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- On the night before Christmas, - people stayed up late...
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- ..to dance, prepare treacle toffee - and attend church...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- ..to sing carols.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- They would've gathered evergreen - plants to decorate their homes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- In the depths of winter, - people were glad of anything...
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- ..that was colourful.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- The plants were remarkable - because they survived...
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- ..and even blossomed and bore fruit - in the middle of winter.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- They obviously had magical powers. - They were symbols of eternal life.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- They were also used - to ward off evil spirits.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- Perhaps by bringing plants - into the home, it created a haven...
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- ..for the spirits of the trees - during harsh winters.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- You weren't meant - to hang ivy by itself in the home.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- It was customary to arrange the ivy - with another evergreen plant.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- It was believed that the leaves - represented eternal life...
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- ..and the red berries were - a symbol of Jesus Christ's blood.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- The spiky edges of the holly...
0:14:35 > 0:14:40- ..prevented any mischief - from evil spirits and so on.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Holly was also used - to welcome guests.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- If you were driving cattle and saw - a sprig of holly outside a house...
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- ..you were welcome to go inside - and have a drink for free.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- In terms of mistletoe...
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- ..if women wanted a child...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- ..it helped them conceive.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- If they wanted to find - a prospective partner...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- ..they'd sleep with mistletoe - under their pillow.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- They believed that green plants - like the Christmas tree...
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- ..were full of goodness.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- They believed - they blessed the family.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- At the end of the festival, - they removed the plants...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- ..to release the spirits...
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- ..otherwise any new growth, - new crops, the grass and so on...
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..wouldn't grow again in spring.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- Worse than that, the spirits - would remain in the house...
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- ..and create mischief.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- That's why - we take down our decorations...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- ..12 days after Christmas.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- Hanging holly in the house - provided shelter for fairies.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- If it was a decent shelter, - the fairies protected the home.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- It was unlucky to bring holly into - the home before the festive period.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- It was also unlucky - to chop down holly...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- ..unless the tree was dead.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Holly leaves are very interesting.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- They're very different - from other leaves in Wales.
0:16:38 > 0:16:44- They're thick and there's a wax - on the leaf's surface.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- There are two reasons for that.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- They can withstand - winter's fierce storms.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- More importantly, they don't - lose water through their leaves...
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- ..like other trees.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- That's the main reason holly retains - its leaves throughout the year.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07- If I reach up for the higher ones, - notice the different leaves.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- These are very sharp.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- They're like that because they're - within reach of grazing animals...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..like deer long ago - and nowadays sheep and cattle.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- The higher leaves look like - a completely different species...
0:17:23 > 0:17:29- ..because they don't have to defend - themselves against sheep and cattle.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30- Isn't nature clever?
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Legend has it that - if holly is burgeoning with fruit...
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- ..we're sure to have a harsh winter.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- This isn't true.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- An abundance of fruit is the result - of previous weather...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- ..when the flowers were pollinated.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- If it was favourable weather, - there'd be more pollination...
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- ..more fertilization - and more red holly.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- The leaves don't look - as if they should be eaten...
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- ..but allowing animals to graze on - them, especially sheep in winter...
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- ..is an ancient custom - since its leaves are nutritious.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- The yew, on the other hand, - is poisonous.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- It can kill horses and cattle.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- But one part of it - is edible for humans.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- The red berry on the fern.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- By all accounts, it's sweet.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- The fruit and seed - is even better for birds.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- Linnets tend to ground - the fruits with their beaks...
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- ..and eat the seed inside.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- This is a greenfinch.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- The song thrush, on the other hand, - eats the entire berry.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- This is a remarkable tree.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- They say the oldest living trees - in Britain, if not Europe...
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- ..are ancient yew trees.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- It looks like two trees - - one here and one on that side.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- This is what happens - when they get so old.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- They fragment - and the centre section dies.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- They estimate that this tree...
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- ..is 4,000 years old.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Consider this.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- When Jesus Christ was born...
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- ..this tree - was already 2,000 years old.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- The Llangernyw Yew is - the oldest living tree in Britain.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- There's no wonder people thought - the yew was the tree of life.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- It was planted in holy places.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Since it lived for so long, - it represented eternal life.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- The yew tree - was the original Christmas tree.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- It's been replaced nowadays - by the spruce...
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- ..a foreign tree from Norway.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- You see Christmas trees like this - in every town...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..and in almost - every home in the country.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Rarely are they this tall.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- Because it's covered - in so many lights...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..it's hard to tell - there's a tree underneath.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- The tradition of decorating trees, - especially Christmas trees...
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- ..goes back many centuries.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- Today we decorate them with lights - and before that, it was candles.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Before that, apples.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26- In the Middle Ages, 24 December - marked the Feast of Adam and Eve.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- In Germany, the story - of the Creation was acted out...
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- ..in open-air theatres.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- A tree in the town centre...
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- ..was decorated with apples - to represent the Garden of Eden.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- By the late Middle Ages...
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- ..these plays turned into - rowdy open-air celebrations...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..with no biblical associations.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Much like today, to be honest.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- The apples - became colourful baubles.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- During the 18th century...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- ..Queen Charlotte, - the wife of George III...
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- ..put up a yew tree - for Christmas in Windsor.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- The queen was born in Germany - and introduced the custom here.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- During Queen Victoria's reign...
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- ..Albert, - who was also born in Germany...
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- ..put up a tree at Windsor, - but this time, it was a spruce.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Since there was literature available - to the public at this time...
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- ..describing the tree...
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- ..the aristocratic custom - was adopted by the hoi polloi.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- In next to no time, the spruce...
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- ..was an important - Christmas decoration in every home.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- As luck would have it, - Wales has a plentiful supply.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06- .
0:23:08 > 0:23:08- Subtitles
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- Before the Victorian era...
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- ..Christmas was more of - a social festival than a family one.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- A squire would show - his gratitude to his subjects...
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- ..with gifts and holidays.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- Most people worked the land.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- It was the 12 days' holiday, - not the day that was important...
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- ..even up until the 1950s.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- In many Welsh villages, Christmas - meant staying up all night...
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- ..or rising early to attend the - Plygain service in the local church.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Homes were decorated - with holly and mistletoe.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Mistletoe grows on trees.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- But it doesn't thrive - in dense woodland...
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- ..or on native trees like the oak - because it requires lots of light.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- It grows predominantly - on trees that have been planted.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- The apple tree - is its favourite habitat.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Orchards, parks and gardens - are all habitats...
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- ..that have been man made.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41- Although mistletoe is commonplace - nowadays, it was rare in the past...
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- ..which made it a special plant.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- Do you hear that birdsong?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- That's the mistle thrush.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- He's defending his territory...
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- ..which includes - this entire orchard.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- He's defending an area...
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- ..where there must be enough food - within that territory...
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- ..to last him through winter.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- The berries of the mistletoe - are his vital food source.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32- The mistle thrush is named after - the mistletoe plant...
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- ..because it protects the branches - and eats the berries.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- The berries are digested...
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- ..and the seed is excreted.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- Its faeces - is sometimes left on branch.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- In time, - the seed starts to sprout...
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- ..and embeds its root in the bark.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57- It develops - into a new plant on the tree.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- It has another trick too. - These berries are like glue.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Sometimes - some of the liquid and the seed...
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- ..stick to the bird's beak.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14- The bird rubs its beak - against the branch like this...
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- ..and leaves the seed right where - it should be, on the branch.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23- Once again, it embeds a root - and the plant grows again.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29- There's no wonder our ancestors - believed it had miraculous powers.
0:26:29 > 0:26:35- It's a plant that demonstrates that - the rules of nature have changed.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Instead of growing upwards...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- ..mistletoe - grows downwards from a branch.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- It isn't rooted in earth but bark.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- The berries are white, the only - white berries in Wales long ago.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- The Druids believed - they were sent by God...
0:26:55 > 0:27:00- ..and brought luck and fertility - and protected them from witchcraft.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- They referred to it - as 'all-healing'.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- But in actual fact, - it's a poisonous plant.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18- Its leaves alone don't produce - enough nourishment for the plant...
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- ..so it must acquire - additional nourishment.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- It gets it - by embedding its roots in a tree.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- It's a parasite - and can kill its host tree.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- It wasn't associated with Christmas - until the 18th century...
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- ..when the plant was scarce.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- Like Santa Claus and his reindeer...
0:27:46 > 0:27:51- ..kissing under the mistletoe is - a tradition from Norse mythology.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Many a man and woman - are grateful for that.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- In the past, ivy wasn't used - to decorate a church...
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- ..because of the plant's association - with drinking alcohol.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- Since it could grow - and cover vines...
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- ..herbalists believed that the - berries could cure binge drinking.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- Publicans would grow ivy on poles - outside their taverns...
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- ..to advertise the sale of alcohol.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- Drinking from a vessel - made from ivy bark....
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- ..was meant to reduce - the effects of the alcohol.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37- It wasn't the best plant - to promote the biblical Christmas...
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- ..but very useful to many of us - during the festivities.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- Ivy was originally a tree plant.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- It constantly craves sunlight.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54- That's why you see it growing - along stone walls, on trees...
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- ..and even on the ground.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02- Some argue that ivy kills trees.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- But not directly.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- Ivy wraps itself - around the branches...
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- ..to bear its weight - and allow it to climb.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18- Unlike the mistletoe, the roots - aren't embedded in the host tree.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Ivy produces its own nourishment, - like a regular plant.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- When there is dense vegetation, - the additional weight...
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- ..can cause the tree - to keel over in a storm.
0:29:30 > 0:29:37- There's no doubt that ivy like - this is a very important plant...
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- ..to all kinds of wildlife.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- For a start, it's evergreen - and will shelter animals.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- More importantly, - it grows very dense...
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- ..an improves shade.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- Often insects spend winter...
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- ..in ivy like this.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- The flowers - blossom later in the year...
0:29:58 > 0:30:02- ..usually at the end of October, - beginning of November.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- There isn't much around - at that time of year...
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- ..that will provide nectar - for late-coming insects.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11- Because it blossoms later...
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- ..these black berries - appear late in the year too.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- They're an important food source - for all kinds of birds.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Giving presents - is an important part of Christmas.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- The first presents - were gold, frankincense and myrrh.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Gold is associated with kings.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- The Wise Men believed - that Jesus was King of the Jews.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- But why frankincense and myrrh?
0:31:25 > 0:31:30- Gold, frankincense and myrrh - were Jesus' presents.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- Everyone knows what gold is, - but what is frankincense and myrrh?
0:31:36 > 0:31:41- It's remarkable, isn't it? - Believe it or not, they're plants.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- They're trees that grow...
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- ..in very remote areas.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49- Take frankincense, for instance.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- It's similar, in terms of its leaves - to something like a rowan tree.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- It grows in north Somalia...
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- ..Ethiopia, in the Yemen...
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- ..and grows - in very remote locations.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09- It grows out of the bare rock.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- I've never seen one...
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- ..but I imagine - it's like a rowan tree...
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- ..growing on rugged slopes - in somewhere like Cwm Idwal.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22- What does it look like?
0:32:23 > 0:32:25- Something similar to this.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- Let me show you.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- This is the resin, in effect.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- This is the raw material...
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- ..that comes from the tree.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38- It has a wonderful aroma.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- It has a wonderful aroma.- - Yes, it's lovely.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- They use it to burn incense.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46- It's still used nowadays...
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- ..in churches, - especially Roman Catholic churches.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- They use a thurible to disperse - the aroma when the priest swings it.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- If they gave frankincense and myrrh - along with gold to baby Jesus...
0:33:02 > 0:33:04- ..they must've been very precious.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- Yes, they were.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- The frankincense and myrrh was - even more valuable than the gold.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- The significance...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- ..and symbolism - that goes with it is important...
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- ..because only kings and emperors - could afford them.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59- Traditionally in Wales, food played - a greater part in the festival...
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- ..than the giving of presents.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- Life was hard in the countryside.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05- Keeping food for the feast...
0:34:06 > 0:34:11- ..to share with loved ones was - one of the few ways to celebrate.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- There was no money to buy presents.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- Many animals would be slaughtered - at this time of year...
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- ..because there - wasn't enough food to feed them.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- They were either consumed or salted - to last the winter months.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- Goose was served at Christmas - in Wales until the turkey took over.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- The wild Greylag goose...
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- ..is the traditional - Christmas goose.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- What's interesting about it - is that years ago...
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- ..it was a wild goose - that nested in the north.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59- It came to Wales - for the winter months.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- Centuries ago, - some geese were tamed...
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- ..and they fled back to the wild.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- This is what we see - in our fields today.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- The wild goose is the largest - of Europe's wild geese.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- As well as meat, - it provided eggs, fat...
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- ..and feathers, - so it was worth taming.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- Over a century and a half ago, - every farm in Wales...
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- ..had at least one goose ready to - be eaten over the Christmas period.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- Goose and other produce...
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- ..were sold in markets.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- Although the produce is different...
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- ..it's a tradition - that still continues today.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- This is - Abergavenny's Christmas market.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- One of the main problems - facing people years ago...
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- ..was food preservation - during winter...
0:36:06 > 0:36:08- ..especially if they wanted a feast.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- How did they keep the food?
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- It wasn't as easy as going to the - supermarket or butcher's nowadays.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19- You couldn't - plug the freezer into the socket.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- But there were certain foods - that could be kept years ago.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Nuts and dried fruits.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- Hazelnuts would keep for months, - so too would dried fruit.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- That's why both those foods - are still associated with Christmas.
0:36:36 > 0:36:42- It is predominantly foreign nuts and - fruits that are on sale these days.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- But there are also native fruits - that are important at Christmas.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- One of the most important - are cranberries.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- They ripen by the end of October...
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- ..and collecting them - is an age-old tradition.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02- Ifan Burtwhistle knows - of a prime location in Ceredigion.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- Is picking cranberries - a family tradition for you?
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- Yes. I remember doing it - from a very early age.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- I suppose they need a wet - environment in which to grow?
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- Yes, they like wet banks - at the side of the lake.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- We'll go down this way.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- There are some under your arm.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- They're quite large, aren't they?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- Yes, we're picking them - late in the season.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- The more you look, - the more you find.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- I pick whinberries - but not cranberries.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- Do they taste nice?
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- Why don't you try one?
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- It's very sour without sugar.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Yes, it's very sour. - Incredibly sour.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- What exactly do you do with them?
0:37:56 > 0:37:57- You take them home. What next?
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- You turn them into some sort to jam.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- You reduce them down with sugar - and eat them with turkey.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- It's a nice thing to do as a family.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09- You can waste hours doing this.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- You can waste hours doing this.- - I'm sure.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16- We've been here half an hour - and this is all I've picked.
0:38:33 > 0:38:34- .
0:38:38 > 0:38:38- Subtitles
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:38:47 > 0:38:51- Another tradition associated - with Christmas is hunting.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- It was a dangerous time for wildlife - during the Christmas season.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59- Birds...
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- ..otters, rabbits, foxes, hares...
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- ..and squirrels were hunted.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- This is the grave of William Thomas, - better known as Glanffrwd.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- In his book, Plwyf Llanwonno...
0:39:29 > 0:39:34- ..he describes the way - they hunted squirrels years ago.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39- It was the red squirrel back then. - There were no grey squirrels.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- He describes how a group of men - would come together...
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- ..after singing Plygain - in the morning...
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- ..and go into the woods - to hunt squirrel...
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- ..and then throw stones and branches - to move the animal onwards...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- ..and then relentlessly follow it...
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- ..until the poor animal - became so exhausted...
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- ..it would fall out of the tree - and was killed.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37- On Boxing Day, - boys would hunt wrens.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50- It was an age-old tradition - throughout the Celtic nations.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Boxing Day is called - Day of the Wren in Irish.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- There are - high numbers of wrens in Wales.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- Although it's a small bird...
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- ..it has - an unnaturally high voice.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- That was its problem and one - of the reasons why it's hunted.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- The tradition's origin - stems from Stephen...
0:41:21 > 0:41:26- ..the first Christian martyr - who was awaiting his fate in prison.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- He tried to escape one night, - and he would've succeeded...
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- ..had it not been for the fact - that a wren had sung so loudly...
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- ..it woke the soldiers, - who then recaptured Stephen.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- From that day on, the wren - has been considered a bad omen.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- Something's crawling.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Something's crawling - among the brambles...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- ..not far from - the bottom of that tree.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15- If you look closely, something's - popping up and down over there.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Rarely do you see one - out in the open.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- It hides like a mouse.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- It's gone over there now.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- Very good.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- How did they catch a wren?
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- The most sensible way...
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- ..to catch a wren - is to find where it roosts.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- The best place - to find a roosting wren...
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- ..is in its nest.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- It goes there - in cold weather to roost.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- There might be 10 or more of them - huddled together in there.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- Once you're familiar with - where they're likely to be...
0:42:58 > 0:43:03- ..you'd place your hand over - the hole at night or before dawn...
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- ..and it's easy to catch one.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- What did they do with the wren - after catching it?
0:43:11 > 0:43:15- Once it was caught, - the poor thing was killed...
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- ..and placed - in a bird house made of wood...
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- ..with colourful ribbons - hanging from it.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26- They would carry it - from house to house...
0:43:26 > 0:43:31- ..and sing verses outside while - those inside sang their own verses.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- After a contest, they would - go inside, have a beer...
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- ..and have some fun, of course.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- # Little wren is the lad
0:43:40 > 0:43:42- # Little wren is the lad
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- # All the fuss is about
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- # All the fuss is about
0:43:46 > 0:43:48- # Tonight there's a quest
0:43:49 > 0:43:50- # Tonight there's a quest
0:43:50 > 0:43:52- # For him everywhere
0:43:52 > 0:43:54- # For him everywhere- - # For him everywhere
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- # We'll spill his blood
0:43:56 > 0:43:58- # We'll spill his blood- - # We'll spill his blood
0:43:58 > 0:44:00- # On the ground, that we must
0:44:00 > 0:44:02- # On the ground, that we must
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- # To ensure the land
0:44:04 > 0:44:06- # To ensure the land- - # To ensure the land
0:44:06 > 0:44:08- # Is forever fertile #
0:44:08 > 0:44:10- # Is forever fertile #
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- Christmas combines - many old and new traditions.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31- Over the years, the nature of the - festival has changed dramatically...
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- ..especially over recent years.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39- "Thank goodness for that," - say many a wild creature.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- In the past, Christmas signified - a quiet time in the countryside...
0:44:46 > 0:44:49- ..and winter's - most prominent wildlife.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- Nowadays, in our vibrant towns, - the old traditions...
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- ..are hidden in an artificial world.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06- Images of wildlife remain...
0:45:06 > 0:45:11- ..but we've forgotten why they're an - important part of the celebrations.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- We celebrate Christmas - on 25 December...
0:45:31 > 0:45:36- ..but the shortest day is on - the 21st, known as Winter Solstice.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- The ancient Yuletide festival - started on this day.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- The Yule log tradition - emanates from this festival.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- When it's cold outside and snowing, - there's nothing better...
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- ..than coming inside - to a roaring fire like this.
0:46:20 > 0:46:25- Years ago, they would burn a huge - tree trunk over the festive period.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- It was often oak - because it was the most common tree.
0:46:30 > 0:46:35- They would decorate the tree trunk - with pine cones, branches...
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- ..evergreen plants, holly and so on.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- The fire - was meant to last 12 days...
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- ..until the end of the festive - period on the sixth of January.
0:46:46 > 0:46:52- The burning of the log was a symbol - of the sun's power returning.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- They were celebrating the fact - that the short days were over...
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- ..and better things were to come.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:49 > 0:47:50- .