The Box 



on account of the symbolic meaning attributed to 

 the plant by some old writers, i.e. "perpetual 

 life in the other world." According to Plant 

 Lore sprays of Box were used in conjunction 

 with Woodruff, Lavender and Roses at one 

 period, to decorate churches on the days dedicated 

 to St Barnabas and St Paul. 



In biblical history the Box figures on several 

 occasions. The prophet Isaiah, Chap. XLI. y 

 verse 19, says, " I will set in the desert the Fir 

 tree, and the Pine and the Box tree together." 

 Again, in the LX. Chap., the words occur in 

 verse 13, " The glory of Lebanon shall come 

 unto thee, the Fir tree, the Pine tree and the 

 Box together, to beautify the place of my 

 Sanctuary." Box wood, with many other woods, 

 is credited with being the wood of which the 

 cross for the Saviour's crucifixion was made (see 

 Plant Lore). 



As in the case of most of our common trees a 

 number of curious legends and superstitions are 

 attached to the Box. A custom at one time 

 prevailed, and may do now, in some country 

 districts, of using sprigs of Box in connection 

 with funerals. A basin of Box sprays was 

 placed at the door from which the coffin was 

 carried, and each mourner was expected to take 

 a piece, carry it with him to the churchyard, and 

 throw it into the grave after the coffin had been 

 lowered. 



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