The
Holly and the Ivy
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 celebrate new growth.
When Christianity came into Western Europe, some people wanted to keep the greenery, to give it Christian meanings and to ban the use of it to decorate homes. The U.K. and Germany were the main countries to keep the use of the greenery and here are the Christian meanings:
 |
Holly - The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn. |
 |
Ivy - Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows. This reminds us that we need to cling to God for support in our lives. |
In pagan times, Holly was thought to be a male plant and Ivy a female plant. An old tradition from the Midlands of England says that whatever one brought into the house first over winter, tells you whether the man or woman of the house would rule that year!! But it was unlucky to bring either into a house before Christmas Eve.
In Germany, it is traditional that Ivy is only used outside and a piece tied to the outside of a Church was supposed to protect it from lightning!
 |
Laurel - Laurel has been worn as a wreath on the head to symbolise success and victory for thousands of years. It was given to the winners of events in the original Olympic Games. It symbolises the victory of God over the Devil. |
 |
Fir & Yew Trees - Fir and Yew trees are evergreen and so signify everlasting life with God. 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 favourite plant) and people thought that it could protect you from evil spirits. It is also sometimes called the friendship plant and it was the most common garnish put on the boar's head that rich people ate for Christmas diner in the Middle ages! It is also known as the remembrance herb and was used at Christmas as this is the time that we remember the birth of Jesus. In the late 1700's a special Christmas Rosemary Service was started in Ripon Cathedral School where a red apple, with a sprig of Rosemary in the top of it, was sold by the school boys to the members of the congregation for 2p, 4p or 6p (depending on the size of apple!). |
It is traditional to take down the decorations on 12th Night (also known as Epiphany) on January 6th. But during the middle ages, greenery (including Mistletoe) was often left hanging up until Candlemas (when Christians celebrate Jesus going to the Jewish Temple as a baby) in early February!
