Interesting Facts

          Romans gave boughs 

of Holly to friends and family during the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birthday of the Invincible Sun) to bring protection and good luck. They believed that it was a symbol of fertility and warded off lightning and witchcraft.

Figure 1: Romans celebrate the festival

of the sun with candles and holly leaves.

           Druids believed that both Holly and Oak represented future and foresight. During their celebration of Alban Arthan they worshiped the Holly King and the Oak King. At every winter solstice they believed that the Holly King, who ruled the dark part of the year, died and the Oak King, who ruled the light part of the year, was reborn. The Holly King later became known as Santa Claus. 

Figure 2: Holly displayed

around an Alban Arthan alter. 

          Bach flower remedies, which are a series of flower remedies used to treat negative human emotions, has a remedy with Ilex aquifolium. It is used to treat feelings of jealously, envy, and revenge.

          In Britain it is believed to be very bad luck to cut down a Holly tree.

          After a Holly berry drops onto the ground, it will remain dormant for at least 18 months.

          Ilex aquifolium is Latin for Holm Oak with sharp, pointed leaves. It became known as English Holly because it was native to Europe and was one of the many varieties of Holly already known.

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