How many of you realize that the Holly decorations we use for Christmas represents the crown of thorns?

Question

even the little berries represent the drops of blood.

Answer 1

thanks for reminding us-
what about the christmas tree?

Answer 2

For Christmass, holly has several traditions...

In Northern Europe Christmas occurred during the middle of winter, when ghosts and demons could be heard howling in the winter winds. Boughs of holly, believed to have magical powers since they remained green through the harsh winter, were often placed over the doors of homes to drive evil away. Greenery was also brought indoors to freshen the air and brighten the mood during the long, dreary winter.

Legend also has it that holly sprang from the footsteps of Christ as he walked the earth.

And you are right....the pointed leaves were said to represent the crown of thorns Christ wore while on the cross and the red berries symbolized the blood he shed.

Answer 3

roflmao. No, actually it doesn't. It's yet another thing the Christians stole from the Pagans and perverted to their own meaning.

The iiex chinensis, better known as holly, is the substantial subject of myths and pagan worship. For instance, the pagan Romans decorated their houses and temples with the "sacred" holly, which represented their goddess Saturnalia. By the way, there's where our modern day custom of decorating with holly originated. Among history's most blatant devil-worshippers were the Druids. The Druids were known for their human sacrifices and the authors of our Halloween. The Druids wore the holly in their hair and considered the "holly" plant sacred, hence the name "holy" or "holly". The Druids also believed the "holy" berries represented the blood of their Goddess. (Hmmm. . . I wonder where they go that strange idea from?) As Christianity began spreading throughout the Roman world, the use of pagan holly was outlawed.

Plant aficionado and author, Virginia Klara Nathan, writes:

"Ancient history says that the Druids used holly in their religious rites long before the custom came to the European continent. The Druids of ancient Britain and Gaul held the English holly tree sacred. The 'holy' connotation continued in later days in Europe, where the plant was widely believed to repel evil spirits. People planted trees and used their branches as protection against witchcraft, mad dogs, and other evils. With the coming of Christianity, the use of holly was condemned as a pagan ritual and forbidden by the Christian council."

Answer 4

How many of your realize that long before the Christians came up with Christmas, the holly represented the menstrual blood of the sacred Earth Mother? Evergreens of all kinds were cherished at this time of year as a natural symbol of rebirth and life amid winter whiteness. Holly was particularly prized to decorate doors, windows and fireplaces because of its prickliness -- to either ward off or snag and capture evil spirits before they could enter and harm a household. The druids felt that holly was sacred because it added beauty to a wintery landscape while the sacred oak slumbered.

Answer 5

The Christmas tree, mistletoe, and holly have similar origins. All three are evergreens, and during the cold, hard months of winter were seen by the early Germans as being a sign of fertility, for their greenness did not go away even in winter. Poinsettias, on the other hand, with their bright red, white, or pink uppermost leaves, were a product of countries where Christmas came during the warm summer months.

Answer 6

thats not what i found:
"Many superstitions surround the holly. It is a man's plant and is believed to bring good luck and protection to men while ivy brings the same to women. It is thought that whoever brings the first sprig of Christmas holly into the home will wear the pants that year. It was hung about the doors and windows to keep away witches, spells, evil spirits, goblins, and lightning. On Christmas eve, English virgins hung holly on their beds to protect their virtue from Christmas goblins. However, elves and fairies were welcome in British households, and sprigs of holly were hung as hiding places for them. Romans gave gifts of holly to their friends during Saturnalia as good luck charms and protection against evil. Because of all these superstitions, early Christians were forbidden to decorate with this plant, especially during Saturnalia."

and then saturnalia became christmas.
The Date of Christmas
The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year. Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days

Answer 7

What does the christmas tree represent?

Answer 8

Yes, it was a very convenient fit.

Holly has been used for mid winter decoration for much longer than christianity has been around, because, along with ivy, it is an evergreen.

Answer 9

because holly trees are bisexual, they actually pollinate themselves, they are considered a fertility symbol and have been for centuries longer than Christianity has been around.
But, it's a cute story, and if you like it, more power to you. Each of us creates symbols for our own uses, why shouldn't you?

Answer 10

No, that's the christian reinterpretation of a pagan tradition. Nice try though.

Answer 11

interesting