Holly is 1 of the trees most commonly associated with Christmas. Like other evergreens, holly is symbolic of eternal life & vitality; its red berries stand for those, as well as blood.
The custom of bringing holly boughs into the home in
the best of winter has its origins in the pre-Christian idea that its prickly leaves shelter the fairy folk, who were
delighted to come inside at such a cold time of the year. The Romans also brought holly into the house
during the time of the Saturnalia, in mid-December. Holly trees planted close to the home guarded the house & its occupants from evil influences; the spiny leaves of the "male" tree are a symbol of protection.
Holly with smoother leaves has more female attributes. The name of the tree comes from the Goddess Holle,
who was the mother of all unborn children & was
responsible for naming them. When Christians call something
"holy," they are unknowingly honoring this Goddess.
The "Holly King" is an image of a giant constructed from holly, carrying a holly club in his hand. The seasonal counterpart to the Oak King, the Holly King is the guardian of the Winter Solstice.
