When we think of the Christmas holidays, we picture plenty of red and green, twinkling lights and of course, lots of evergreen foliage everywhere we look. Holly plants are a superstar of holiday decor, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is holly the perfect color for Christmas, it’s rich history and symbolism brings ancient traditions into the present day. Take a look at why the designers at Ron & Alicia Robinson Florist find December’s birth “flower” to be everything we love this time of year.
What is Holly?
Holly is a shrub-like plant that, depending on the variety, can grow into a tree measuring 10-15 feet in height. Its deep green leaves are thick and leathery with a waxy finish that creates a unique sheen. Coupled with serrated edges, these plants make a perfect nesting spot for winter birds. The leafy evergreens provide camouflage and the sharp edges offer protection for birds that nest in the winter months. The female varieties of this plant produce the bright red berries we love to see during the holidays. While the berries are toxic to humans and most pets, the leaves have historically been used for medicinal purposes.
Holly Berries on Snowy Branch
Wreath of Holly
Luminous Lilies Centerpiece
What Does Holly Symbolize?
Since ancient times, various civilizations and cultures have associated rich meaning with holly plants. Celtic mythology symbolizes the plant with peace and goodwill, while ancient Norse tradition found the plant’s resistance to lightning a reason to associate it with Taranis and Thor, gods of thunder. Ancient Romans gave holly wreaths to newlyweds for good luck, and it has played a key role in decorating and celebrating festivals for Saturnalia (the winter festival of Saturn), Chinese New Year, and the pagan winter solstice celebration.
In more recent history, Christians have adopted the plant as part of the Christmas tradition. The sharp leaves represent Christ’s crown of thorns, the berries his blood, and the evergreen nature of the tree as a metaphor for eternal life. Throughout history, holly has been recognized as an important plant full of symbolism and tradition.
How Can We Decorate with Holly?
Regardless of your beliefs about ancient traditions, it’s evident that holly adds beauty and a lively spirit to holiday decor. It’s green leaves and red berries are a natural fit for Christmas color. As an evergreen, it fits right in with other lush holiday foliage like pine and fir. We love to include holly in our festive holiday floral designs, like our Luminous Lilies Centerpiece, where sprigs of holly add a hint of Christmas spirit. Our Make Merry bouquet and our Let It Snow bouquet bring a celebration of winter foliage to any recipient. Enjoy the rustic nature of winter greenery and accents like pinecones and berries when sending these designs to friends and loved ones.
Make Merry Bouquet
Let It Snow Bouquet
When you decorate with holly during the winter holiday season, you maintain age-old traditions that have changed and evolved over centuries. Giving a beautiful holly-filled bouquet to a loved one this season is a great way to share this tradition with those you love. Plus, holly is the official birth “flower” of December, so birthday bouquets can include holly, as well! For more creative ways to decorate with holly, or to learn more about its role in ancient traditions, talk to the floral designers at Ron & Alicia Robinson Florist. We’re happy to help you find new and interesting ways to include holly in your Christmas celebration this season!
