Where does the holly and the ivy originate from?

Where does the holly and the ivy originate from?

The lyrics and melody varied significantly in traditional communities, but the song has since become standardised. The version which is now popular was collected in 1909 by the English folk song collector Cecil Sharp in the market town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire, England, from a woman named Mary Clayton.

Where is holly native to?

Ilex opaca, the American holly, is a species of holly, native to the eastern and south-central United States, from coastal Massachusetts south to central Florida, and west to southeastern Missouri and eastern Texas.

Is holly native to North America?

Many hollies are native to Europe, but then there are also many found native to North America. Examples follow, including the American holly, Ilex opaca. The American holly is often used for decorations at Christmas time; their red berries are in their full glory during the winter holiday season.

Why does holly grow near Ivy?

1. The two plants come together in the Christmas carol ‘The Holly and the Ivy’, reflecting their use as decorations since pagan times, when holly was thought to be male and ivy female. 2.

Why do we use holly and ivy at Christmas?

Holly and ivy are two more evergreen plants that are closely associated with the festivities. Holly, ivy and other greenery were also used during winter solstice celebrations to ward off evil spirits and celebrate new growth. In pagan times, holly was thought to be the male plant and ivy the female.

What does Ivy symbolize?

Symbolism. Ivy symbolises fidelity (it won’t easily let go of something it’s attached itself to) and eternal life (because the plant is evergreen). In ancient Egypt ivy was dedicated to Osiris, who represented immortality. In ancient Greece ivy was the plant of Dionysus because of its vigour.

Where do holly trees grow?

The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. That being said, most hollies are very tolerant of less than ideal locations and will grow well in part shade or dry or swampy soil.

How do you tell American holly from English holly?

Look at the color of the leaves. English holly has a deep green color and glossy finish. American holly leaves are a lighter, yellow-green with a dull sheen. Variegated leaves, ever popular during the holidays, indicate English holly.

Is holly native to Massachusetts?

The American holly (Ilex opaca) grows as far south as Florida, but it’s also found in a few places in Massachusetts. To spot one, search for these characteristics: Small size—in the Northeast, it usually grows only 20-40 feet tall, though in balmy southern climes it can reach up to 100 feet. Greenish-grey bark.

Are Hollies evergreens?

Ilex /ˈaɪlɛks/, or holly, is a genus of over 560 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide.

Is holly a pagan tradition?

In fact, most hollies are either male or female and need the opposite sex in close proximity to produce fruit. There are plenty of both in the holly wood at Winkworth, so you can enjoy an abundance of berries in winter.

Is it bad luck to have ivy in the house?

(link) Summary: ivy is bad luck inside but good outside. It’s particularly bad to give it to someone who is ill. (link) Summary: unlucky as a gift, “a person who grows ivy will always be poor,” only permissible indoors as Christmas decoration.