Christians adopted the holly tradition from Druid, Celtic and Roman traditions, and its symbolism changed to reflect Christian beliefs. Today, Christians consider holly symbolic of Jesus Christ in two ways. The red berries represent the blood that Jesus shed on the cross on the day he was crucified.
Legend states that holly berries were originally white, but that the blood Christ shed for the sins of humankind stained the berries forever red. One claims that the cross on which Jesus was crucified was constructed of holly.
Another says that holly sprang up from his footsteps. The beauty of this magnificent tree coupled with the long list of stories and legends that come with it make holly a beautiful symbol of Christmas. Holly, Ivy and Christmas Plants Holly, Ivy and other greenery such as Mistletoe were originally used in pre-Christian times to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth.
Here are the Christian meanings: Holly The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn. Ivy Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows. Laurel Laurel has been worn as a wreath on the head to symbolise success and victory for thousands of years. It symbolises the victory of God over the Devil. Fir is also very commonly used for Christmas Trees. Rosemary Rosemary was connected with the Virgin Mary because it was thought to be Mary's favorite plant and people thought that it could protect you from evil spirits.
Christmas Wreaths Hanging a circular wreath of evergreens during mid winter seems to go back a very long way. When should you take the greenery down? As well as it's decorative uses, holly wood burns hot and long, making it a perfect fire fuel on cold, winter nights. Created around , the garden at Dyrham Park near Bath was one of the most ambitious of its day.
Leading garden designer, George London, adopted the fashionable Dutch baroque style and many hollies featured among the fountains, canal, parterres and walks. London also designed a formal garden at Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire, however it suffered the same fate as Dyrham's garden and was swept away in the following century. From paper chains and pine cones to scented orange slices, keep little fingers busy and learn how to make traditional decorations for a greener Christmas.
Plus, watch our wreath-making masterclass video. Did you know that the way we decorate, eat and enjoy ourselves over the festive period has direct links with our ancestors? Discover eight Christmas traditions from history. Come along to one of our Christmas craft events for the chance to make authentic and natural Christmas decorations.
Create your very own festive wreath to hang on your front door or make special gifts to give your loved ones. Holly was the sacred plant of Saturn and the Romans used to send boughs of the bush to their friends along with gifts to mark the Saturnalia Festival. The feast was celebrated between December 17 and 23 - the darkest time of the year - to commemorate the god of agriculture, creation and time and the transition from winter into spring and sunshine.
Roman citizens decorated their homes with garlands of evergreens and tied jolly holly clippings to the presents they exchanged. The northern European plant was already believed to possess magical powers by Pagans with Druids wearing them in wreaths on their heads to ward off evil spirits.
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