The Holly

Written by Madame Aradia

Sunday, 07 December 2008 17:44

The holly has long been used as decoration for Yule and other winter holidays and events. Of course, the ancient Celtics tell stories of a Holly King who defeated the Oak King and rules from midsummer to midwinter. He is depicted as a “Santa Claus” character, giving and kind. Some believe he is the inspiration for the stories of Santa Claus. The chinese decorated with it during their February New Year’s celebration. Ancient Romans used the leaves during Yule, exchanging boughs as gifts for the celebration.

Though not use much today for medicinal purposes, the holly leaves were used to produce sweating for treating fevers, rheumatism, and even smallpox. The berries are poisonous, but was once used to purge the body of “gross and clammy phlegm”.

Other common (and uncommon) names for the holly include holy tree, hulver bush, Christ’s thorn, and bat’s wings. So if you see an old “witch’s spell” with bat wings in the ingredients, they were referring to the holly leaves. Old legend says as Christ was carrying the cross and his blood was dripping on the ground, holly trees sprang from the soil. They, of course, bore thorny leaves and blood red berries...and thus earned the name “Christ’s Thorn”.

Holly is a protective plant...protective against poison, evil spirits, and even lightning, and as such is very beneficial to have planted near your home. Some even sprinkled holly water on infants to protect them from evil. Holly is a “male” plant (ivy being the “female” plants as they are magically bound) and is therefore very lucky for men to carry with them.