This blessing reflects Psalm 92:4. Celtic people were impressed by the fact that three trees — holly, mistletoe, and yew — kept their leaves green throughout the year. They thought that these trees symbolized certain things in human lives that were meant to remain evergreen, even if other parts of life fell away in old age. This blessing reflects that insight:
May you be evergreen and full of sap
and bear fruit each day of your life.
As holly, mistletoe, and yew
keep their leaves green throughout the year
so may these three things
be kept evergreen in you —
respect, restraint, and reverence for life.