Friday, December 20, 2024

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Holly plant, symbol of Christmas

 


Turnback Tuesday looks at the ever-popular plant: holly. 

Holly is a shrub-like tree that can grow up to 15’ tall. The female plant produces the beautiful red berries that are a favorite of cedar waxwings and robins as well as a great nesting plant for birds in the winter. 

The holly tree was beloved and respected in Celtic mythology, and the Druids regarded it as a symbol of fertility and eternal life. 

The Romans associated holly with Saturn, the god of agriculture and harvest. 

Today, the holly is a symbol of Christmas. It has taken a respected place in decorating for the holidays.


[This was first published on this date in 2022.]


Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

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