The Holly and the Ivy
The Druids of ancient Celtic times in Britain, Ireland and France considered holly a symbol of both fertility and eternal life. They thought the tree possessed magical powers. Ivy represents friendship and loyalty and is believed to protect against disaster. Holly and ivy together signify harmony in the family.
In the carol, holly represents Jesus and ivy represents Mary.
The small white summer flowers of the holly are symbolic of peace and optimism. In the carol, the words ‘as white as the lily flower’ are reminders of the birth of the baby Jesus.
The scarlet holly berry is ‘as red as any blood,’ and the sharp, prickly leaves are thought to represent Christ’s crown of thorns. The holly tree bark is bitter, like the gall that was raised to Christ’s lips on the cross. The gall was thought to be a drug to ease pain.
Lovely mug. It's one of my favourites as well!
ReplyDeleteI always think Holly Jolly Christmas when I see holly!
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