When I think of the word “Holly”, visions of Christmas fill my head. You probably have the same thoughts. Afterall, Common Holly, which is also known as English Holly or Christmas Holly, is often used in winter decorations. But there’s a lot more to Holly – the shiny, deep green foliage with the bright red berries- than just making decorations. Here are some interesting facts about Holly you’ll find surprising!
Holly Offered Protection From Lightning and Witchcraft
The early Romans decorated their homes- particularly the fireplace- with Holly (among other plants) during their celebration of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The Roman people knew the sunlight would show itself more as the days followed, and they merrily celebrated “coming out of the darkness”. Holly was believed to help protect them from such misfortunes as lightning, and evil spirits entering in through the chimney. So, besides decorating with the colorful plant, the Romans also gave Holly as gifts to their friends and loved ones.
Holly’s Association With Christmas
Another interesting fact about Holly you’ll find surprising is this: since the Christian Church borrowed many of the Roman customs when it came to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, they used Holly in their rituals as well. However, the Christian Church associated Holly leaves with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ during His crucifixion. And, the red berries of the plant represented His blood.
The Official State Tree of Delaware
On May 1, 1939, the state of Delaware adopted The American Holly as their official tree. There are more than 400 different types of Holly which grow as either flowering shrubs or trees, but this one can grow up to 60 feet tall.
Holly Wood Makes Fine Chess Pieces
Another interesting fact about Holly you’ll find surprising, is that the pieces in fine Chess sets are often made of Holly wood. The wood is naturally hard, shows no grain, is white in color and it polishes up nicely, so it’s most suitable for this use. For the black pieces, the white Holly Wood is dyed black. Holly wood has also been used to make piano keys.
Holly Berries: Food for Animals, Poison to Humans
Birds and animals eat Holly berries in the winter time when their food supplies are low. But, the same berries are mildly poisonous to humans. If you eat Holly berries, you can suffer from a stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.
Medicinal Uses for Holly
Even though Holly berries are known to be toxic to humans, an interesting fact y you’ll find surprising is that extracts of this plant have long been used as homemade remedies for fever, gout, pleurisy, smallpox, lightheadedness, kidney stones, high blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, arthritis, jaundice, and even, cancer.
“Boy Holly” and “Girl Holly” Plants
Holly is a dioecious plant. This means there are both male and female plants. In order for the female plants to grow bright, red berries every year, it must be located 30 to 40 feet within a male so it can be pollinated. Otherwise, the female will grow, but it won’t produce berries.
Holly is the Birth Flower for December
And, finally, another interesting fact about Holly you’ll find surprising, is that it’s the birth flower for December. You know you have a birthstone according to the month you were born in, but did you know you also have a birth flower?
