Holly

The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio.

Holly Some scholars believe that the name holly was derived from the word holy. The famous 16th century botanist William Turner, known as the “father of English botany,” referred to holly as the “Holy Tree.” It is also called “Christ’s Thorn” throughout various parts of Europe. Other scholars maintain however that the word holly can trace its roots to an Indo-European word meaning “prickly” or “to prick.”

Regardless of the etymology of the word, Christians have identified a wealth of symbolism in the form of holly. The sharpness of the leaves help to recall the crown of thorns worn by Jesus; the red berries serve as a reminder of the drops of blood that were shed for salvation, and the shape of the leaves, which resemble flames, can serve to reveal God’s burning love for his people. Combined with the fact that holly maintains its bright colors during the Christmas season, it naturally came to be associated with the Christian holiday.

As a Christmas symbol, holly is generally portrayed as a small cluster of berries and leaves, so it may be surprising to learn that holly trees can grow to enormous heights (over 50 feet). Some even grow in the familiar shape of the Christmas tree – a spectacular sight when decorated by nature’s own red berries.

Holly offers a striking contrast to the general barrenness of winter. It is rarely affected by even the most severe weather, and it appears to be immune to the infestation of insects. Thus, holly has understandably attracted the attention of many cultures throughout history, and it plays a part in a variety of legends.

Ancient Romans believed holly could repel all kinds of malice (natural disasters, dark magic and even vicious animals). They also thought that holly was sacred to the god Saturn. Thus, during Saturnalia, the feast celebrated in his name, holly could be found in abundance. Romans exchanged holly wreaths, carried holly in processions and even decorated images of Saturn with holly.

Since Saturnalia was generally celebrated between December 17th and 23rd, some scholars claim that it influenced Christmas celebrations. However, at least so far as holly is concerned, many different cultures used the plant as decoration or in winter festivities. It seems most reasonable to conclude that in the cold and dark of winter, people throughout history have sought to brighten homes and celebrations with nature’s beauty. Christians are no exception.

The idea that holly repelled malice was held all throughout ancient Europe. In fact, Druids believed that holly attracted good spirits and offered protection against evil spirits. For this reason, Druid priests often wore holly in their hair during religious rituals.

In Great Britain, holly came to represent masculine power, whereas the ivy represented feminine power. This may shed light on the Christmas carol, “The Holly and the Ivy” in which holly is thought to represent Jesus and ivy is thought to represent Mary. The first and last verses of the song are:

1. The holly and the ivy,
Now both are full well grown.
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.

5. The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.

From ancient times to the present, holly has had an intimate association with Christmas. An early calendar in the Church of Rome described Christmas Eve as templa exornantur, meaning “churches are decked.” As the tradition of decking “the halls with boughs of holly” continues, let us remember that it is the birth of Christ that makes the season jolly!

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