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The Holly and the Ivy: A Celebration of Christmas
Written by a botanist, The Holly and the Ivy celebrates the legends and customs associated with these age-old plants of Christmas. Each page is decorated with ivy garlands or holly sprigs that encircle bits of yuletide lore. Illustrations.
- GenresChristmas
79 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 1991
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 29, 2023
AN INFORMATIVE EXPLANATION OF THESE TWO SYMBOLIC PLANTS
Author Barbara Segall wrote in the Introduction to this 1991 book, “Our pre-Christian ancestors appreciated the magical qualities of the Holly and the Ivy, two plants which bore fruit in the deep midwinter. By garlanding their homes with … holly and ivy, they drew closer to the power and the hope that those plants represented. Today, we bring holly and ivy into our homes at Christmas or send greeting cards adorned with their images, we keep alive traditions that we instinctively feel to be important, but only half understand. Holly and ivy came in from the cold long... before the first Christmas of all. They brightened the year’s end for Druids, ancient Greeks and Romans and, eventually, for the early Christians. In this book we follow their journey and discover the magic that surrounds them.” (Pg. 6)
She observes, “the holly and the ivy … have gathered myths and legends wherever they grow. At the heart of the matter, theirs is a story about new life. Pagans, first, and then early Christians were awe-struck by these plants that remained green of leaf and ripe of berry when all else is bare in a northern midwinter. They have always been… a sign that spring is near.” (Pg. 10) She adds, “In Christian faith, Christ’s triumph over death is celebrated at the Church’s greatest festival, Easter. At Christmas, both our chosen plants express the everlasting promise of renewal and new life.” (Pg. 21)
She explains, “The sexual symbolism of our companion plants has a long pedigree. Traditionally, the smooth-leaved, clinging ivy symbolizes woman, while prickly holly denotes man.” (Pg. 13) Later, she adds, “In relation to its Christmas companion, holly is seen as the masculine partner to feminine ivy. But it is more complicated than that in the garden. For a start, holly plants can be male or female and only a few are self fertile. So if your glistening and prickly holly bears no Christmas berries, the chances are it needs a mate. But beware of being misled by names: ‘Golden King,’ for example, is a female holly, while ‘Silver Queen’ is a male.” (Pg. 71)
She states, “Although a powerful protector, holly became an equally powerful purveyor of bad luck if cut at any time except Christmas. Even today, few people are so foolhardy as to fell a holly tree (which is one reason why many survive as long sentinels in hedgerows).” (Pg. 18) Later, she adds, “The ivy is deservedly the symbol of fidelity and undying lover, despite fickle fancies in form.” (Pg. 68)
This book will be of keen interest to anyone wanting to know more about holly and ivy, their history, and their place in our holiday celebrations.”
Author Barbara Segall wrote in the Introduction to this 1991 book, “Our pre-Christian ancestors appreciated the magical qualities of the Holly and the Ivy, two plants which bore fruit in the deep midwinter. By garlanding their homes with … holly and ivy, they drew closer to the power and the hope that those plants represented. Today, we bring holly and ivy into our homes at Christmas or send greeting cards adorned with their images, we keep alive traditions that we instinctively feel to be important, but only half understand. Holly and ivy came in from the cold long... before the first Christmas of all. They brightened the year’s end for Druids, ancient Greeks and Romans and, eventually, for the early Christians. In this book we follow their journey and discover the magic that surrounds them.” (Pg. 6)
She observes, “the holly and the ivy … have gathered myths and legends wherever they grow. At the heart of the matter, theirs is a story about new life. Pagans, first, and then early Christians were awe-struck by these plants that remained green of leaf and ripe of berry when all else is bare in a northern midwinter. They have always been… a sign that spring is near.” (Pg. 10) She adds, “In Christian faith, Christ’s triumph over death is celebrated at the Church’s greatest festival, Easter. At Christmas, both our chosen plants express the everlasting promise of renewal and new life.” (Pg. 21)
She explains, “The sexual symbolism of our companion plants has a long pedigree. Traditionally, the smooth-leaved, clinging ivy symbolizes woman, while prickly holly denotes man.” (Pg. 13) Later, she adds, “In relation to its Christmas companion, holly is seen as the masculine partner to feminine ivy. But it is more complicated than that in the garden. For a start, holly plants can be male or female and only a few are self fertile. So if your glistening and prickly holly bears no Christmas berries, the chances are it needs a mate. But beware of being misled by names: ‘Golden King,’ for example, is a female holly, while ‘Silver Queen’ is a male.” (Pg. 71)
She states, “Although a powerful protector, holly became an equally powerful purveyor of bad luck if cut at any time except Christmas. Even today, few people are so foolhardy as to fell a holly tree (which is one reason why many survive as long sentinels in hedgerows).” (Pg. 18) Later, she adds, “The ivy is deservedly the symbol of fidelity and undying lover, despite fickle fancies in form.” (Pg. 68)
This book will be of keen interest to anyone wanting to know more about holly and ivy, their history, and their place in our holiday celebrations.”
December 8, 2024
This was such a charming little December read to get me in the holiday spirit - I'm so glad I picked it up at the thrift store today. I loved reading about the worldwide (but mostly UK-specific) traditions, carols, cards, and meanings behind holly and ivy plants. I will definitely be making this an annual Christmas read.
4.5
4.5
December 2, 2016
I love this song...so our first book in the December Christmas book reading was this one...I really had fun with it. It was interesting. The kids were a little bored, but there were some interesting tid-bits!
December 23, 2024
Interesting discussion of both the botanical and cultural significance of these plants over the centuries. Reading the traditional carols and looking at the antique Christmas card images were my favorite parts, as well as learning more about the varieties of holly and ivy.
December 23, 2021
Excellent little treasure!!
January 17, 2023
Informative and beautifully illustrated
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews