It wouldn't be Christmas without wreaths of holly. The popular carol tells the story: ‘Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.’ In medieval times, the prickly leaves were associated with Jesus’ crown of thorns, but holly has long been a favourite decoration for churches and houses at Christmas. It is loved for its evergreen quality, keeping its bright fresh colours, the green of innocence and the red of passion, right through the festive season.

In Celtic mythology, holly has darker connotations, however. The Holly King was said to rule over the half of the year from the summer to the winter solstice, and in the Mummers’ plays, popular around Christmas time, he was presented as an aggressive giant, dressed in holly leaves and wielding a holly bush as a club!

This figure is probably the inspiration for the mysterious Green Knight of the medieval poem who turns up at King Arthur’s court with a very unusual challenge … if you don't know it, there’s a fine translation by poet laureate Simon Armitage, perfect for Christmas reading!*

It’s a seasonal joy to go out collecting holly to decorate your home, but never chop down a whole tree. Holly is said to protect us from witches who run along the tops of hedges, and from lightning striking our houses. In 1861, the Duke of Argyle even diverted a road to avoid cutting down a holly tree.

And when the festivities are over, be sure to burn your holly; never allow this noble plant the indignity of being thrown in the bin.

*Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by Simon Armitage (Faber 2007)

Read about the history of mistletoe here and the true story of the yule log here.

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