What does the holly Berry represent?

In Christianity, holly was adopted as a symbol of Christ’s crown of thorns; the crimson berries a symbol of his blood and the evergreen a metaphor for life after death. The tradition of decking the halls with boughs of holly at Christmas continues today.

What is the significance of holly and ivy at Christmas?

Since medieval times the plant has carried a Christian symbolism, as expressed in this popular Christmas carol “The Holly and the Ivy”, in which the holly represents Jesus and the ivy represents His mother, the Virgin Mary.

What does lots of red berries on holly mean?

Back in November, a number of papers reported that our holly trees were full with their bright red berries, and that according to folklore this was a sign that a hard winter was to come. Holly has been used to decorate homes for centuries, and is particularly associated with mid-winter festivals.

What is the original meaning of holly?

Holly is known as an English or Irish surname (variant Holley) it is either locational, ultimately derived from the Old English hol lēah “[dwelling by] the clearing by the hollow”, or descriptive, from hol-ēage “hollow-eyed”.

What is the spiritual meaning of holly?

The Druids regarded holly as a symbol of fertility and eternal life, thought to have magical powers. Holly Wreath on Old Door. Today, Christians have adopted the holly tree as a symbol for Christmas. The sharp leaves are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ, while the berries represent his blood.

Why do people bring holly into the house at Christmas?

Before holly was hung in houses to accompany Christmas trees, it was considered to be a sacred plant by the Druids. In contrast, hanging the plant in homes was believed to bring good luck and protection. Holly was also thought to protect homes against lightning strikes.

How did holly get associated with Christmas?

Its association with Christmas dates all the way back to Roman times. Holly was the sacred plant of Saturn and the Romans used to send boughs of the bush to their friends along with gifts to mark the Saturnalia Festival.

How do you use holly for Christmas?

Holly berries and leaves are created for perfect laid-back holiday décor. You can make a beautiful table runner of fresh holly leaves and berries, add them to a planter with small trees and candles, fill glass jars with water and put holly branches inside, and floating candles atop.

How poisonous are holly berries?

The berries of the holly plant are poisonous to people and pets. Swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and drowsiness.

Does holly mean happy?

What people don’t know about holly is that the primary flower meaning of holly is domestic happiness. It’s hard to turn away any opportunity to wish domestic happiness on someone. Another meaning of holly is defense or protection. Holly is the perfect gift idea for wishing a safe and happy household over someone.

What is the difference between holy and holly?

holy is an adjective used to describe anything dedicated or consecrated to God or for a religious purpose. holey is also an adjective but nothing religious. It is used to describe anything that has holes in it.

What do the red berries on Christmas holly mean?

The red berries that Christmas holly produces have long been a sacred symbol as well. The ancient Druids believed they signified the menstrual blood of their beloved Goddess.

What is the definition of a holly tree?

Definition of holly. 1 : any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs especially : either of two (I. opaca of the eastern U.S. and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations.

How is Holly related to the meaning of Christmas?

Another Christian legend claims that holly miraculously grew to hide the Holy Family from Herod’s soldiers. As a sign of gratitude, holly has remained evergreen ever since. This last one provides a direct connection to Christ’s birth, rather than his death. So it is more closely related to holly’s place as a Christmas symbol.

How is the word holly used in a sentence?

1 : any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs especially : either of two (I. opaca of the eastern U.S. and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations 2 : the foliage or branches of the holly Examples of holly in a Sentence