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Santa Claus. A giant red-and-white stocking hanging by the fireplace. Nativity scenes. Most of the iconic Christmas visuals are easily understood. However, holly, genus Ilex, made its way into festive imagery through a more winding journey.
The association of holly with Christmas is relatively recent. This resilient plant’s ability to thrive during the cold months made it a natural fit for ancient winter festivities. The Roman festival of Saturnalia, held during the darkest time of the year, honored the god of agriculture, creation, and time, marking the shift toward sunnier days and spring. Romans adorned their homes with evergreen garlands and tied vibrant holly sprigs to the gifts they exchanged.
The Celts of ancient Gaul believed holly’s bright red “berries” (technically drupes) and glossy leaves held great magical properties. They wore holly wreaths and sprigs during sacred rituals and festivals, seeing it as a protective charm against evil spirits.
The spread of Christianity across what is now Europe was a gradual and complex process. It wasn’t a simple, one-time shift; few were willing to abandon their established ways of life. Instead, missionaries had more success integrating their teachings with local customs and beliefs. Holly and decorated trees became symbols for early Christians, much like they had been for their pagan predecessors.
Today, some people connect the holly bush not with the birth of Jesus, but with his death, drawing parallels between its sharp leaves and a crown of thorns, and its red berries with drops of blood. However, for most, the appeal of holly lies in its cheerful, vibrant appearance—especially during a time when the world seems dormant and quiet, despite the fact it is toxic and can pose a danger to children and pets.
This article was first published in 2017 and has been updated for 2023.
