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Holly is associated not only with Christianity
but with Romans and Islam. It is regarded as a symbol of good luck
in both Islam and Roman. For centuries, holly has been the subject
of myths, legends, and customary observances. Holly is
conventionally associated with masculinity and a good luck charm. It
is used in decoration of home during Christmas time, and is regarded
as a symbol of delight and enjoyment that brings up thoughts of
celebration and good cheer. The Romans used the plant to decorate
their houses, temples, and deities for Saturnalia, the mid-winter
feast. They exchanged holly boughs as symbols of kindness and
friendship, which acted as a bond of love and togetherness. This
practice is believed to be the predecessor of holly's use in
Christmas celebrations. Later on, in December, while other Romans
continued their pagan worship, Christians celebrated the birth of
Jesus as the festival of Christmas. As Christians increased in
number and their customs prevailed, Holly lost its pagan
associations and became a symbol of Christmas.
The plant Holy has come to stand for tranquility,
joy and enjoyment. People often settle disputes under a holly tree.
Holly is believed to frighten off witches and evil spirits and
protect the home from thunder and lightning. In Western England it
is believed that twigs of holly around a young girl's bed on
Christmas Eve would keep away naughty little goblins. In Germany, a
piece that has been used in church decorations is regarded as magic
against lightning. The English also mention the "he holly and
the she holly" as being the deciding factor in who will
dominate the household in the following year, the "he holly"
have thorny leaves while a "she holly" have smooth ones. .
Other beliefs include, putting a sprig of holly on the bedpost would
bring sweet dreams and also making a tonic from holly could be a
cure for cold it has medicinal properties also.
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