Post by Zeda on Apr 9, 2018 8:13:29 GMT -6
Holly
Ilex spp
Some Species of Holly
Ilex aquafolium European Holly, Christ's thorn, is a broad leaved-evergreen tree native to Europe. This is the variety whose waxy leaves and bright berries are used extensively in winter holiday decoration. Most of the information on this page applies to this species.
Ilex verticillata Winterberry, Michigan Holly, Canada Holly, is native to North America. It is not evergreen, but the bright red berries persist through winter.
History and Folklore
Romans sent boughs of holly and gifts to their friends during Saturnalia, a custom which early Christians adopted despite controversy. An edict of the Church of Bracara once forbid Christians to decorate their homes with holly because of its origins as a Pagan practice. In Britain, Druids decorated their homes with holly in the winter to invite sylvan spirits to shelter there [3].
One legend says that holly first sprang from the footsteps of Jesus Christ, with its thorns and red berries representing his suffering and blood [3].
In NeoPagan lore, the Holly King rules the dark half of the year, from the autumn to spring equinox, being strongest at midwinter, while his counterpart and adversary the Oak King is the inverse.
In heraldry, holly represents truth.
Propagation
Holly should be planted in a sheltered area in well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate some shade, but the more sun it gets, the thicker the foliage will be. It should be planted in early spring and mulched well around the roots. Do not transplant if you can help it. It doesn't like to be transplanted and when you do it may lose its leaves. If you are patient, it may grow back just fine.
Holly bears male and female flowers on different plants. You will need one of each if you want berries and they should be no more than 100 feet apart.
Fertilizing and pruning should be done in the spring. Keep it moist through the summer months, but do not water in the fall and winter. Do not over water. The roots to not appreciate saturation.
Holly planted from seeds take two years to germinate.
Harvesting & Storage
Cut holly as needed. It dries very nicely when hung in a well ventilated area.
Magical Attributes
Holly wood is often used by many wandmakers and makes a great wand for spell casting and transfiguration. The leaves of the holly plant are used in potions such as Felix Felicious.
HOMEWORK
What are three properties of the Holly plant?