a more beautiful version I haven't EVER heard. . .
a little history:
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Holly (ilex aquifolium)
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Holly (the word "holly" originates from the Old English word "hollin") has been used as a festive decoration since earliest times and is ritually symbolic for almost all pagan religions. Unlike most other plants and trees, the holly tree is at its most spectacular in mid-winter with brilliant red berries and glossy green leaves. It is hardly surprising that our pagan ancestors regarded it as magical.
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Traditions surrounding the holly abound. It was said that a walking stick made from holly would protect the person who carries it from any wild animal. A holly tree on your property was believed to ward off witches and to be the place where faeries and elves lived. A syrup made from holly allegedly cures coughs. A sprig of holly on a bedpost assures one of pleasant dreams. Early Christians adopted the holly with enthusiasm and it became symbolic of the ‘crown of thorns’ worn by Jesus on his way to be crucified. A very early tradition suggests that the holly originally had yellow berries until they were stained red with Jesus’s blood.
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Holly was traditionally seen as a ‘male’ plant – perhaps because it is so prickly! This tradition was not universally accepted. Because holly has both very prickly leaves and softer leaves it was believed by some people that both sexes were represented in the same plant and it all depended on which sort of leaves were used to decorate the house as to who was going to be in charge for the coming year.
Ivy (hedera helix)
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The traditions associated with ivy date back into pre-history when it was seen as a ‘female’ plant. Bacchus, the Roman god of drinking, is always depicted with a wreath of ivy as it was said to ward off drunkenness. Not a particularly good omen for the festive season perhaps..
Ivy has a number of traditions associated with it including the ability to predict the future and cause domestic strife. It was said that people should drop an ivy leaf in a glass of water on New Year’s Eve and leave it until Twelfth Night. If it stays fresh and green then a good year will follow but look out if any black spots appear as these foretell bad luck.
Holly and Ivy
Since holly and ivy were believed to represent men and women, it was said that whichever was brought into the house first would dictate who rules the residence. . .
