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<b>The Legends of the Holly bush </b>
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- It was the Burning Bush of Moses’ vision. 

- It was the plant of Mother Holle (or Hel),  the Norse underworld Goddess.

- In Germany, witches used Holly for making wands. 

- The Dionysian cult of Roman times displayed the holly with ivy, as the symbol of feminine and masculine balance during times of the solstitial festival. 

- It is symbolic of the crown of thorns and drops of blood on the Savior’s head.

- Holly was also brought into the house variously to protect the home from malevolent faeries.

- Holly trees were traditionally known for protection from lightning strikes, to which end they were planted near a house.  The spines on the distinctively-shaped holly leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors, thereby protecting the tree and other nearby objects.

- Holly was associated with thunder gods such as Thor and Taranis.

- When the Holy Family was fleeing into the desert from Herod, they hid the baby Jesus in a holly bush. At that time, the leaves had fallen as the holly was not an evergreen. Mary prayed for protection, and the leaves grew - green to hide and protect the baby Jesus. 

- The Druids believed that holly, with its shiny leaves and red berries stayed green to keep the earth beautiful when the sacred oak lost it leaves. 

- The berries and leaves were used to ward off witchcraft and the evil eye.

- Put a  sprig of holly on the bedpost to bring sweet dreams.

- If holly is hung in the barn, animals will fatten and thrive. 

- Lucky charms comprising of holly leaves are created in Japan

- The Chinese use Holly during new year festivities.

- If there is an abundance of red berries on a bush, it is believed that the winter would be severe as the bush is providing extra food for the birds to get through a harsh winter. 

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