For look how many leaves there be
Neglected there—maids ’tend to me—
So many goblins ye shall see.”
De Gubernatis tells us, that in certain parts of France, in Switzerland, at Bologna, and in other Continental countries, there is an old custom extant of cutting branches of Holly on Christmas Eve, and hanging them in houses and stables, in the hope of driving away evil spirits and witchcraft. As the Holly-leaf is prickly, it repulses and drives away enemies. An English mediæval ballad illustrates this custom:—
“Her commys Holly, that is so gent,
To please all men is his intent. Alleluia!
But lord and lady of this hall,
Who so ever ageynst Holly call. Alleluia!
Who so ever ageynst Holly do crye,
In a lepe shall he hang full hie. Alleluia!