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By Witchipedia, Herbs & Oils

Holly: Folklore, Spiritual & Magical Uses

Updated on:

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Written by: Dawn Black (Witchipedia)

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Reviewed by: Tina Caro

There are over 400 species of holly (Ilex spp), including both evergreen and deciduous species or trees, shrubs and climbing vines.

European holly, Ilex aquifolium. Source: Danielle Teychenne, published under CC0 Public Domain

Other Names Christ’s Thorn, Holy Tree, Hulver, Holme, Holme Chase, bats wings, Aquifolium, Tinne, Black drink plant, evergreen oak, needle-leaf.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Throughout history and folklore, holly has symbolized protection, rebirth, and hope, often used in Yule celebrations and to ward off evil spirits during the winter solstice.

Folklore: Holly has long been associated with folklore and traditions, particularly during the winter season. In Celtic mythology, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and protection. Holly branches were often used to decorate homes during Yule celebrations, symbolizing life and rebirth during the darkest days of winter.

Spirituality: In spiritual practices, holly is revered for its symbolism of strength, protection, and resilience. Its evergreen leaves symbolize endurance and immortality, making it a potent symbol of vitality and renewal.

Magickal Uses: Holly is highly regarded in magickal traditions for its protective qualities and ability to ward off malevolent energies. It is commonly used in spells, charms, or rituals designed to banish negative influences, create sacred boundaries, and safeguard against psychic attacks. Additionally, holly can be incorporated into rituals for fertility, prosperity, and spiritual growth, harnessing its potent energies for manifestation and empowerment.

Holly’s folklore, spiritual, and magickal uses reflect its revered status as a symbol of protection, resilience, and the eternal cycle of life, offering its blessings to those who honor its sacred presence.

Some Species of Holly

Ilex aquafolium European Holly, Christ’s thorn, is a broad leaved-evergreen tree native to Europe. This is the variety whose waxy leaves and bright berries are used extensively in winter holiday decoration. Most of the information on this page applies to this species.

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Ilex verticillata Winterberry, Michigan Holly, Canada Holly, is native to North America. It is not evergreen, but the bright red berries persist through winter.

History and Folklore

Romans sent boughs of holly and gifts to their friends during Saturnalia, a custom which early Christians adopted despite controversy. An edict of the Church of Bracara once forbid Christians to decorate their homes with holly because of its origins as a Pagan practice. In Britain, people decorated their homes with holly in the winter to invite sylvan spirits to shelter there [3].

Folklore or LegendDescription
Celtic TraditionHolly symbolized protection, luck, and fertility
Christmas SymbolismHolly used as a decoration to ward off evil spirits
Druidic BeliefsDruids believed holly had protective and healing properties
Roman MythologyHolly associated with Saturn and used in winter solstice celebrations
Table 1: Holly Folklore and Legends

One legend says that holly first sprang from the footsteps of Jesus Christ, with its thorns and red berries representing his suffering and blood [3].

In NeoPagan lore, the Holly King rules the dark half of the year, from the autumn to spring equinox, being strongest at midwinter, while his counterpart and adversary the Oak King is the inverse.

In heraldry, holly represents truth.

Symbolism and associations of holly

Symbol or AssociationDescription
EvergreenSymbolizes everlasting life and vitality
Winter and YuleRepresents the resilience of nature during winter
Masculine EnergyHolly often associated with male deities and energy
Protection and BoundariesHolly used as a symbol of boundaries and protection

Magical Attributes

In traditional English folklore, holly leaves without prickles are masculine in nature, called ‘he-holly,’ and the more usual, prickled variety is feminine, or ‘she-holly’ [2]. Holly is associated with Saturn by Nicholas Culpeper [1], and Mars and the element of fire according to other sources.

Holly can be used in consecration and in spells for material gain, physical revenge, beauty, protection (esp. against lightening), luck and dream magic.

Holly can also be used in any ritual relating to death, rebirth, and seasonal mysteries. Because holly burns very hot, it is suitable for any fire festival.

Magical UseDescription
ProtectionPlacing holly branches in the home for protection
Warding off Evil SpiritsHanging holly over windows and doors to keep negative energies at bay
Luck and ProsperityCarrying a holly charm or placing it in a money spell for abundance
Enhancing IntuitionBurning holly leaves for divination and psychic abilities
Table 2: Magical Uses of Holly

Holly wood makes very good wands which can be used to banish unwanted entities, and command evoked spirits.

Holy planted near a home is said to repel poison and protect from witchcraft and lightning. The wood has the power to tame animals and the flowers to freeze water.

Herbal water made with holly has protective properties.

Holly brought into the home at Yule invites the faerie folk to shelter with you in the cold of winter, but these greens must be burned on Imbolc in order to ensure they don’t stick around causing trouble all year. But a small branch should be retained and hung outside the house to protect it from lightning.

In the Scottish tradition, holly branches outside the house are considered a strong ward against evil, and it is unlucky to burn holly under any circumstance [2].

Healing Attributes

Modern herbalists do not commonly use Holly. The fresh berries are poisonous and will cause violent vomiting if ingested. The dried, powdered berries can be used as a styptic.

Healing PropertyDescription
Anti-inflammatoryUsed to alleviate inflammation and joint pain
Fever ReducerCan help reduce fever and lower body temperature
Digestive AidAssists with digestion and relieves digestive issues
Skin ConditionsApplied topically to treat rashes, eczema, and burns
Table 3: Healing Properties of Holly

The leaves contain theobromine which has a weak diuretic effect on the kidneys, and a standard strength infusion can be used to help break a fever [1].

Propagation

Holly should be planted in a sheltered area in well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate some shade, but the more sun it gets, the thicker the foliage will be. It should be planted in early spring and mulched well around the roots. Do not transplant if you can help it. It doesn’t like to be transplanted and when you do it may lose its leaves. If you are patient, it may grow back just fine.

Holly bears male and female flowers on different plants. You will need one of each if you want berries and they should be no more than 100 feet apart.

Fertilizing and pruning should be done in the spring. Keep it moist through the summer months, but do not water in the fall and winter. Do not overwater. The roots to not appreciate saturation.

Holly planted from seeds take two years to germinate.

Harvesting & Storage

Cut holly as needed. It dries very nicely when hung in a well ventilated area.

Household Use

Holly wood is hard and very white. It has a good grain for use in a lathe and makes excellent wands. It takes a stain very well. It should be well dried and seasoned before use to prevent warping.

Bibliography
1. Culpeper, Nicholas.
Culpeper's Colour Herbal
  • present-day uses of herbs
  • real value of each plant

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2. Hatfield, Gabrielle.
Sale
Hatfield's Herbal: The Curious Stories of Britain's Wild Plants
  • Hatfield, Gabrielle (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

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3. Johns, C. A.
The forest trees of Britain
  • Hardcover Book
  • C. A Johns (Author)

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About Morningbird (Witchipedia's Founder)

I am a homesteading hearth witch who grew up along the shores of the Hudson River and has lived among the Great Lakes for the past 20 years. Together with my musical husband and youngest child, I steward a one-acre mini homestead with herb, vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits, and areas reserved for native plants and wildlife. 

I have three children; two are grown, and I have been practicing magick alone and with family and friends for over 30 years.

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