Holly Hoop

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, or so goes the famous Christmas carol; but why holly? We have to tip-toe back through the centuries to get our answer.

The holly tree is one of Celtic mythology's most sacred and cherished trees. The Druids believed that the Oak King of summer and the Holly King of winter fought each other for supremacy every solstice. When the Oak won this battle, summer would blossom. When the holly was victorious, the dark months of winter covered the world.

Yet, even in winter, when other plants wilted and died, the holly remained evergreen and robust with bright red berries.

Powerful magic and the symbol of fertility and eternal life, Celtic chieftains wore wreaths of holly for good luck and protection. Hoops of holly hung over doorways of homes to protect against evil spirits, lightning strikes, or misfortune.