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- When the oak dropped its leaves in fall, the evergreen leaves of holly became symbols of hope for continued life. English Ivy was considered Queen to the Holly King. On the Winter Solstice girls dressed in ivy and boys in holly to symbolize how nature came together to create new life.
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Holly leaves and berries reflect the light and add colour to the dark days of Yule. This is one reason people bring it into houses, but it has another significance as well. Christian symbolism connected the spiny leaves with Jesus’ crown of thorns.
Dec 14, 2009 · With its bright green leaves and large red berries, the holly (Ilex) is a highly decorative shrub. There are hundreds of species available, ranging from short spreading dwarf varieties to tree types reaching dozens of feet high. Hollies make excellent hedges and foundation plants.
Dec 20, 2016 · Holly, like ivy and mistletoe, is a winter green and the bringing of green vegetation into the home is closely linked to rebirth both of spring and of Christ. It is the holly that most closely bears the crown – its spiny leaves and red berries link to Jesus’ crown of thorns.
- Ancient-Origins
Dec 23, 2015 · It is the holly that most closely bears the crown – its spiny leaves and red berries link to Jesus’ crown of thorns. But such a link does not explain why holly is linked to Christmas rather...
- Peter Glaves
- Holly Folklore
- Yew Folklore
- Ivy Folklore
- Mistletoe Folklore
- What Do Wreaths symbolise?
The Holly tree has a rich library of folklore, a stack of old wives tales and plenty of superstitions caught between it’s prickly branches. It’s evergreen leaves and bright berries reflect light and add colour to the darker days of winter and the spiky leaves were often thought to ward off mischievous spirits. In Celtic mythology, the Holly King ru...
According to a recent Guardian article, Britain is home to far more ancient yews than any other country in Europe. The Ancient Yew Group has identified 978 ancient or veteran yews (more than 500 years old) in England and 407 in Wales; it is an ancient tree steeped in rich folklore with a close connection to death and rebirth. Old Norse and Celtic b...
Like holly, ivy has been revered for keeping its leaves over winter and was likewise associated with eternal life. It was thought to help with the recovery of sick animals and in Shropshire, a piece of ivy was fed to animals before midday on Christmas day to keep the evil spirits away for the coming year. Holly, ivy and other greenery were also use...
The ancient Druids also believed mistletoe to be an indicator of great sacredness. The Winter Solstice, called ‘Alban Arthan’ , was according to Bardic Tradition, the time when the Chief Druid would cut the sacred mistletoe from the Oak. According to the Anglo-Saxons, kissing under the mistletoe was connected to the legend of Freya, goddess of love...
Hanging a circular wreath of evergreens during mid winter is an ancient practice. It might have started back in Roman times when wreaths were hung on their doors as a sign of victory and of their high status. Wreaths are part of many ancient traditions dating back to the earliest civilizations. The circle is a symbol of immortality; throughout hist...
Its sharp leaves were said to symbolize Christ's crown of thorns and its red berries the blood he shed. Today, holly and ivy are still used in our celebration of modern Christmas. They are often used in the creation of Christmas wreaths, boughs and other trimmings.
Aug 5, 2023 · Holly, with its vibrant green leaves and iconic red berries, holds a rich and profound spiritual symbolism that has captivated cultures throughout history. Beyond its ornamental beauty, holly carries deep spiritual significance, representing a myriad of powerful concepts that resonate with seekers of spiritual wisdom.