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).
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
In England, some people hang a sprig of holly or ivy in their doorway instead of mistletoe during the Christmas season. Holly, with its prickly leaves and bright red berries, is often associated with festive decoration and symbolizes protection and good fortune. Ivy is also used as a decoration and represents fidelity and eternal life. While mistletoe is popular for its tradition of kissing, holly and ivy serve as alternative festive symbols.