Christmas Holly Trees

Christmas is getting closer. So exciting! While we look forward to a visit from Santa, or maybe a trip to see him at home in Lapland, here is a quick glance at the traditions and story behind a popular Christmas symbol.

Holly been used as a festive decoration for a very long time, ages before it was used in the Christian festival of Christmas.  As the Holly tree is in full glory in the colder months, with its brilliant red berries and glossy green leaves, it is hardly surprising that our pagan ancestors regarded it as magical.

The Romans believed that the leaves prickly leaves scared away evil spirits. They would send the branches with presents for the festival of Saturnalia.

For the druids, the holly represented eternal life. The Celts would put holly on their doors to keep any passing demons at bay.

An old Christian belief declares that the Holly first sprang up under the footsteps of Christ, and its thorny leaves and scarlet berries, like drops of blood, have been thought symbolical of the Saviour's sufferings. The tree was once called the Holy Tree. Other popular names for it are Hulver and Holme, and it is still called Hulver in Norfolk, and Holme in Devon, and Holme Chase in one part of Dartmoor.

Christian legend says one winter night, the holly miraculously grew leaves out of season in order to hide baby Jesus from Herod's soldiers. Since then, it has been an evergreen as a token of Christ's gratitude.

In Germany, holly is called Christdorn in memory of Christ's crown of thorns. According to legend, the holly's branches were woven into a painful crown and placed on Christ's head while the soldiers mocked him. According to this legend, the holly's berries used to be white but Christ's blood left them with a permanent crimson stain.

To see a spectacular display of holly, visit Kew Garden’s Holly Walk, which has the largest collection of hollies in Europe with over 56 species and hybrids. Much of the collection is over 130 years old.

For a natural look in your house this Christmas you can use holly to make a wreath or make a swag to go on your mantelpiece. Just make sure it’s not positioned anywhere its likely to give Santa an unpleasant surprise as he descends down the chimney. Also bear in mind Holly berries are toxic so keep all decorations out of the reach of small hand and pets.