DECORATE WITH HOLLY FOR HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The English or common holly is one of the most recognised plants of the Christmas holidays. This native of Europe is usually used as a shrub in gardens.

Origins of Holly

It is an evergreen which loves moist and shady areas and is found in forests in Europe.

As a dioecious bush, there is a male and female plant which must be planted together to get the abundance of red berries on the female plant. These plants can reach amazing heights in their natural setting.

The upper branches lack prickles as the plants use these to protect its base against predators via the lower leaves.

The berries are eaten by rodents and birds but are poisonous if ingested by humans and house pets.

The holly most associated with Christmas is the llex aquifoluim. It grows in zone 3-11 in North America.

Myths and legends around Holly

Memories of the elementary school class enthusiastically belting out the Christmas carol “The holly and the Ivy” at the local seniors home come flooding back.

We never thought that we would be closer to that age one day when we went to what we called the “old people’s home.” The carol gives us a clue as to why it is an important symbol of the holidays, “Of all the trees that are in the woods, the holly bears the crown.”

For Christians this represents the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ and the red berries the drops of blood.

Many of the symbols used in Christianity have come from older pagan rituals and were superimposed on the new faith which was spreading and made it more familiar and palatable those converting.

Holly along with other plants were used in Celtic rituals to represent new life and protection. Because it is an evergreen it represents eternal life as well as peace and goodwill.

The Romans used holly to celebrate the Harvest and agriculture in their Saturnalia Festival. In Germanic myth, Holle, a goddess thought to have come from Hulda in Norse mythology, is an underworld goddess and the holly representing her was sacred.

Holly is said to protect the house, especially from lightening as it is associated with the Germanic god of thunder and lightening, Thor.

In literature, Holly is captured in Pre-Raphael poet, Christina Rossetti’s poem Give Me Holly

But give me holly, bold and jolly,
Honest, prickly, shining holly;
Pluck me holly leaf and berry
For the day when I make merry

Christina Georgina Rossetti

Decorating with holly

With holly in the decoration you can keep it simple. A branch in a vase, is a minimalist’s delight. Holly is a fabulous for garlands and wreaths. Dry holly lasts for months indoors.

Several sprigs of holly with ripened berries, cut to about 12″ in length will look very festive. Add some pine cones and ornaments to really put on the bling.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the real thing, artificial ones are readily available in the season and you can reuse them.

Decorative wired ribbon

Pruning shears

A decorative vase, or centrepiece with a frog for a more formal look.

Gloves to protect hands from the prickles.

Cut the stems on a diagonal which allows more water to be absorbed.

Put the sprigs of holly in warm water to soak in moisture for 5 minutes.

There are commercial sprays such as a hormone solution of naphthalene acetic acid which allow the holly to last for about three weeks after being cut.

Store at a cool temperature until ready to display.

Display in a vase as you would cut flowers. So simple but effective.

Holly up!

So what are you waiting for? Clear the room of negative energy. Whatever your beliefs positive energy is universal. The beauty, creativity, and gratitude you put into decorating with holly will enhance the celebratory mood of the season.

Peace and goodwill to everyone.