Conway remarks that, "it was to the ancient races of the north a sign of
the life which preserved nature through the desolation of winter, and
was gathered into pagan temples to comfort the sylvan spirits during the
general death." He further adds that "it is a singular fact that it is used by
the wildest Indians of the Pacific coast in their ceremonies of
purification. The ashen-faggot was in request for the Christmas fire, the
ceremonies relating to which are well known."
Footnotes:
- By D. Moore and A.G. Moore, 1866. 2. See "Journal of the Arch. Assoc.," 1832,
vii. 206. 3. See "British Popular Customs." 4. "Plant Lore Legends and Lyrics," p.
- "Popular Names of British Plants," 1879, p. 204.