The Holly

-Botanical

Latin name: Ilex

The holly is a little tree which likes to grow in underbrush. Most of time, it can't grow more than 5 meters high, but exceptionally it can be find holly of 10 meters high. This tree can live until 100 years old. It likes to live in humid areas.

It's easy to recognize this tree in winter, thanks to its beautiful red fruits. Unfortunately, these fruits can't be eaten. This tree doesn't lose its leaves in winter.

-Customs, Legends and Mythology

Gaelic name: Tinne

Month: June

Color: Dark Grey

Letter in the Ogham: T

Magical properties: Energy and guidance for problems to come

Traditionally, holly represents the persistence of vegetal life, because of its leaves which don't fall, and of its fruits which are coming in winter.
Like most of prickly plants, it protects people against evil spells. That's why Roman people used it. For them, it was the Saturnalia tree (Saturnalia was the end of Roman year), and they use to offer a holly crown to people who will get married.
These traditions of protection were perpetuated, and in Germany, France or Switzerland it was the tradition to hang a branch of holly behind the house's door during Christmas.

-Healing

In its fruits, holly contains a toxic product, that's why it's dangerous to eat them. The consumption of these fruits can lead vomiting and digestive troubles. A high consumption can have bad neurologic effects.
However, this tree was use in the past, by external way with cataplasm, or internal way with decoctions.

-Physical uses

Its dense and homogeneous wood was particularly liked to realize items sturdy and flexible in the same time, like gears. With the holly's bark, the best glue is made.
In some regions, like in Alsace in France, we can make a white alcohol with the fruits, fermented and distilled.
But most of time, holly is used as decorating, during Christmas period.