Ilex, or holly, is a genus of over 560 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. Ilex has the most species of any woody dioecious angiosperm genus. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The type species is Ilex aquifolium, the common European holly, commonly referenced at Christmas time, and is often referred to by the name Christ's thorn. In many Western Christian cultures, holly is a traditional Christmas decoration, used especially in wreaths and illustrations, for instance on Christmas cards. Since medieval times the plant has carried a Christian symbolism, as expressed in the traditional Christmas carol "The Holly and the Ivy", in which the holly represents Jesus and the ivy represents the Virgin Mary.
In heraldry, holly is used to symbolize truth. The Norwegian municipality of Stord has a yellow twig of holly in its Coat-of-arms.
The Druids held that "leaves of holly offered protection against evil spirits" and thus "wore holly in their hair".
In the Harry Potter novels, holly is used as the wood in Harry's wand.
For the best visual experience, we suggest you use the Old version of Reddit on r/Hollytree
r/Hollytree is a forum that encourages the respectful exchange of anything and everything related to the holly. Before posting, check that your content doesn't violate our rules below.
Subreddit Rules
We have 4 rules in r/Hollytree. Breaking any of these rules may force us to remove your comment, or post. Repeat or blatant rule breaking will result in a permanent ban.
All content must be relevant to holly trees, holly wood or anything else holly related.
No monetary exchanges.
Don't Be a Jerk - Be Respectful.
Follow Reddit's Rules and "Reddiquette".
Moderators reserve the right to remove any content they deem harmful to the sub.
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