Holly days
It really and truly is Holly days time! On my walk yesterday- a cool crisp sunny December day in the Pacific Northwest- I noticed a beautiful holly tree/bush along the side of the road. I was surprised and delighted to see it. I am living in an area that was forest until about ten years ago. It has been developed into a community, with efforts made to maintain some forest and trails around. Seeing this holly gave me hope that this was actually happening.
What a gorgeous and interesting plant holly is! It’s an evergreen plant, so while other plants around are brown and dormant, this plant stands out. Its shiny leaves are the power and heartfelt emotions of green. Its brilliant berries are the courage and passion of red. It even stands out among the evergreen trees. Don’t let the beauty fool you though. This is not a frail plant. The branches are sturdy and straight. The shine of the leaves is a tough coat that protects it, as are the sharp point on the ends of the leaves. Clusters of berries among the leaves appear to be permanently attached; loved by birds, poisonous to people.
It is said that Holly stands for protection and luck, especially during bleak times. People in the past planted holly by their homes for that reason, and brought branches into their home during the winter months. It also is a symbol of stubbornness. Being stubborn often gets a negative rap…but if you think of it as remaining sharp and bright and determined even during times of dark and gloom, the connotation changes. As I have often been told that I am very stubborn, I choose to use this positive connotation…and it is not surprising that I love holly.
So get some holly into your homes! I have seen holly for sale in beautiful bouquets with other evergreen branches. If you are getting it from nature somewhere make sure that you have a sharp knife or small saw as the branches are tough. Be gentle with the bush, take only what you need from an inconspicuous spot and remember to say thank-you! Let it bless your home with luck, protection and stubbornness, and offer you some happy HOLLY days.