Holly is inextricably entwined with the celebration of Christmas. Everywhere you look, it’s there – choked by tinsel in gaudy decorations, wound uncomfortably into wreaths to hang on the front door, and splashed all over Christmas cards and wrapping paper. But take away all this frippery and you are left with the real thing – an ancient, handsome and deeply symbolic plant that graces our gardens and native woodland with its evergreen leaves and crimson winter berries, looking much more at home in its natural setting than anywhere else.
Cultivated for thousands of years, holly has captured the imagination of many different generations. The Romans traditionally gave sprigs of holly with presents during the December festival of Saturnalia to ward off evil spirits, while in Christian symbolism the leaves represent the crown of thorns and the berries drops of Christ’s blood. Throughout history people have been superstitious about cutting holly bushes or trees to the ground: felling them is believed to bring bad luck, probably because the evergreen leaves and long-lasting berries were seen to represent eternal life.
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