But pagan Druids were probably the first to have popularized this plant by decorating their huts with the said plants, a tradition which was later incorporated into the Christian faith.The ample use and popularity of Holly has invited many myths, which though regarded as superstitions by many have comfortably settled into the holiday traditions. The ability of Holly to remain evergreen even in the cold winter months by bravely resisting the north winds onslaught has lead populace to attribute it with male traits symbolizing strength and vigor.
The Druids wore the sprigs of holly in their hair as a religious symbol while pieces of the wood were attached to the church for warding off evil spirits besides posing as a buffer to thunder and lightning. In West England sprigs of holly were placed around a young girl's bed on Christmas Eve for keeping mischievous goblins at bay while Holly cough syrups ruled supreme in many of he English households.
But above all, Holly regarded as the male counterpart of fragile and feminine Ivy came to represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified and its prickly leaves and berries personified the pain and the drops of blood which explains why it's been attributed with the name Christ Thorn. Today most of these practices have waned but the tradition of "decking the halls with boughs of holly" still continues unabated.
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