Bright holly berries, surrounded by dark and glossy green leaves have been a holiday tradition for more than two thousand years. While the first evidence of holly as a yuletide decoration date to the early druids the tradition probably dates back to the first humans in the British Isles. Taking those bright leaves and berries to the sacred places, reminding people of the green life that lingers under the snow, bringing hope in the darkness of winter.

Holly is a symbolic of health, happiness and home. It is often planted around house to draw the energies of strength and protection, and protect a house from lightning. It is often used to ward off malicious spirits.

Holly is very easy to grow and will thrive in most temperate climates. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil with moderate shade. It is rare to find a stand of oak trees with out a few holly bushes filling in the gaps. The wood of holly is pale, finely grained and hard. When polished it takes on a ivory like glow that is much prized for decorative inlays, chess pieces, walking sticks and magic wands.

Holly is often linked to the male aspect of the Celtic god. The Holly King rules during late summer until he is defeated by the Oak King at the winter solstice, allowing light to return to the world.

The Christian tradition adopted holly soon after arriving in the British Isles. The bright colors of red and green have become emblematic of Christmas, and stories of holly's connection to Christ abound. One story says as the holy family was fleeing to Egypt the holly tree spread green leaves in the dead of winter to hide them from soldiers. Another legend has the first holly bushes springing up under Jesus' feet, the bright berries symbolizing the blood he shed while the thorns represent his suffering.

Bring holly sprigs into the home in winter to provide a safe place for fairies to dwell without disturbing the house, but remove all holly before the Eve of Imbolc, January 31st, to prevent misfortune.

When gathering holly for ritual use, never cut the branches from the tree, it is considered disrespectful. Always pull of break the branches according to the natural growth of the tree after asking for guidance from the local spirits.

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