In celtic pagan mythology, the year is seen as a battle between two figures. The Oak King who rules the light half of the year, Summer and the Holly King who rules the dark half of the year Winter.
The Holly King is defeated by the Oak King at the Summer Solstice and the Holly King takes back the throne at the Winter Solstice, Yule. This represents the sun’s rebirth and the slow return of the light.
Holly’s prickly, thorny leaves were believed to repel malevolent spirits, mischievous fairies, and bad luck. Bringing it into the home, was a way to fortify the house against winter hardship and dark forces.
Placing holly near doors and windows was a common practice for household protection.
Holly is often associated with the masculine principle, while Ivy is associated with the feminine. Together in a wreath, they symbolize the union of the sexes and the balance of nature.
Despite it’s protective qualities for humans, tradition holds that fairies would take shelter in holly bushes during the harsh winter. Bringing Holly into the home was also a way to share warmth with the nature spirits.
Holly was sometimes used to induce prophetic dreams. If a person wished to dream of their future love, they might place a sprig of Holly under their pillow.
Holly’s enduring green color and vibrant red berries in the midst of winter darkness, made it a powerful symbol of everlasting life and the promise that the sun would always return.
Tree Weaver 