Holly Berry

For centuries, holly has been associated with winter and Christmas traditions, thanks in part to its bright red berries and evergreen leaves. Even in pre-Christian times, plants that stayed green throughout the winter symbolised vitality, protection and good fortune during the darkest time of the year. Christianity gave holly additional layers of meaning: its evergreen foliage came to represent eternal life, its berries the blood of Christ, and its prickly leaves the crown of thorns. In Victorian Britain, holly became a popular festive decoration. Since the nineteenth century, it has adorned homes, book illustrations and greetings cards throughout the festive season. The rich red and green of holly continue to shape the visual world of Christmas. As a symbol of constancy, hope and the ideal of a harmonious family Christmas, holly remains an enduring emblem of the festive season.