Tuesday 8 December 2009

Christmas Holly


CHRISTMAS 2009

Each day from now until Christmas day one article will be devoted to a subject connected with Christmas. Today we take a look a look at Christmas holly.

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During the holiday season, holly adorns houses all over the world. The prickly green plant and its red berries are a popular ornament for those looking to enliven their homes with a little Christmas spirit. But where did this tradition begin? Why do we deck our halls with boughs of holly foliage every December? What does holly represent in the celebration of Christmas?In this article, you'll learn where holly grows, what it's used for (besides holiday décor), how it gets those red berries and why it would make your season most unjolly if you ate them. You will also learn about the Christian and pre-Christian symbolism of this famous plant, and the legends surrounding its existence.
Despite its association with the Christmas season, holly did not get its name from "holy." It is translated in Old English as holegn, with variations in Old Norse as hulfr, German as hulst, French as houx, and Welsh as celyn. The literal translation for all of these terms is "holly," but the origin is probably the Proto-Indo-European (the ancient root language of the Indo-European languages) base, qel, which appropriately means "prickly" or "to prick." Even in ancient times, people took advantage of the sharp ends of holly's leaves. The Druids hung it on windows and doorways to fend off evil witches and spirits.
Holly is known for its vibrant red color, which stands out against the starkness of winter. But did you know that it's also associated with males and is considered to bring men good luck and protection; the female counterpart to holly is ivy. A famous English Christmas carol, "The Holly and the Ivy," uses the holly symbol to celebrate the birth of Christ. One line states that "The holly bears a berry/As red as any blood/And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ/To do poor sinners good." Another line says "The Holly bears a prickle/As sharp as any thorn/And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ/On Christmas Day in the morn".


You may like to listen to Burl Ives singing 'A Holly Jolly Christmas'. If so, click on the following video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyGNxHtvRk

Today's Smile


A Very Funny Christmas Video

I have received the following video clip by Email. If you want to get into the Christmas spirit watch it by clicking on the link below. It really is very funny!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1529569286/bctid5524339001

Better Left To Women!!

Use magnifier at bottom right of screen. Enlarge to
200% for easy reading.

Definitions Computer

Mouse
What makes the holes in the Cheerios box.

Main Frame
What holds the house up, hopefully.

Enter
The only way to win those magazine ad sweepstakes.

Web
What a spider makes.

Web Site
What's found in the corners of high ceilings.