The language of Holly
How these festive flowers came to receive their name...
Holly is a genus of over 560 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living
genus in that family.
Holly is a shrub-like tree that can grow up to 10-15 feet in height. The female holly makes the red berries that are widely used as Christmas decorations.
In the language of flowers, and since Medieval times, holly plants symbolize the Christian holiday of Christmas. Known as “Christ's thorn,” holly leaves and berries are used as a holiday decoration in Europe and America.
The Holly tree is one of the most beloved, respected trees in Celtic mythology. It was prized and highly valued by the Victorians.
Prior to Victorian times the term ‘Christmas tree’ actually referred to holly.