Like most every Christmas tradition except attending a Christian church and singing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," holly (and it's counterpart, ivy) became connected to Christmas through pagan traditions.
Several species of holly are evergreen plants, and in just about every European winter celebration tradition, evergreen plants were important--holly, ivy, mistletoe, and coniferous trees (like Christmas trees). They didn't die as the days got shorter and colder; they were a sign, in a dead winter landscape, that life would return. Holly in particular was associated with Dionysus in the Greek tradition, as well as some Pagan sun gods. In the Middle Ages, there was a tradition of presenting King Holly (seen as a male plant) with Queen Ivy (a female plant) in midwinter customs. As all these old winter traditions gathered around Christmas in the Middle Ages, so too did holly become associated with the holiday.
Nowadays, Christians often view the prickly leaves and red berries of holly as symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his legendary crucifixion (the berries are blood drops).
The holly when utilized during the Christmas time is symbolic of the holiday spirit. The red and green that it exudes reminds people that Christmas time is upon us. The plant itself is beautiful and majestic, just as we have imagined the holiday season.
Holly is used to decorate homes during Christmas. Many believe that the holly leaves represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his crucifixion.
christmas lovin'
Hang the mistletoe and holly!
mistletoe, holly
mistletoe, holly
holly mistletoe and a Christmas tree holly mistletoe and a Christmas tree holly mistletoe and a Christmas tree
poinsetta, lvy, holly, mistletoe.
It's False
Mistletoe was held sacred by the Norse peoples and the Celtic Druids. Holly was used by the ancient Romans at the Roman Saturnalia festival. To avoid persecution, early Christians would hang holly on their doors during this festival. Therefore, mistletoe probably originated in Great Britain and holly in Italy (Ancient Rome).
i actually have to do a project and how he contribute to misletoe and holly. any information would be great.
The plant connected with Christmas traditions is spelled mistletoe (not the same as holly).
holly Thnx!!!!!!!! U really helped it's mistletoe you idiot. ¬¬
O by Gosh by Golly, it's Time for Mistletoe and Holly
Nothing They put holly up because in America where it snows Holly and Mistletoe is the only flower that grows