| Holly is especially appreciated during the Christmas | | | | and everlasting life. In modern times, the use of Holly as |
| season. It is known for its shiny, "prickly" deep green | | | | a Christmas plant is a symbol of good luck, peace and |
| foliage and brilliant red berries. It stands out regally | | | | joy. "Decking the halls with holly" is a tradition dating |
| against a cold, white winter. | | | | back to the ancient Romans, Greeks and Druids when |
| Common Holly, also known as English Holly or | | | | they decorated their homes with these vibrant red |
| Christmas Holly, is often used for decorating doors, | | | | berries. |
| wreaths and Christmas arrangements. Look out, | | | | There are both male and female holly trees. They both |
| though, the foliage has prickly thorns! Picked fresh, it | | | | have white blossoms, but only the female holly tree |
| can last for several days or weeks in fresh | | | | produces the holly berries. |
| arrangements. Florists like to use holly in their | | | | The wood from a Holly plant makes fine chess pieces. |
| Christmas arrangements because the red berries add | | | | Chess sets are often made from this naturally hard |
| a striking contrast to the green leaves in centerpieces, | | | | wood because the wood is white, it polishes up |
| wreaths and arrangements. Paired with lovely, red and | | | | beautifully and does not show any grain. For black |
| green Christmas ribbon and bows, it is easy to see | | | | chess pieces, the wood is dyed. But because the |
| how holly can make any arrangement festive and | | | | wood is white in color, it is also used a lot for piano |
| special. | | | | keys. |
| Holly plants symbolize strength, protection, good will | | | | |