Conifers are perhaps the most thought of Christmas greenery for many cultures. There is, however, a rich history of holiday greens celebrating the Winter Solstice going back to pre-Christian times. Four of the oldest, three of which I have pictures of, are holly, ivy, mistletoe and laurel.
All of these plants share being evergreen and the idea of hope and rebirth that comes after a long winter.
Holly (Ilex) was first used by Romans to scare away evil spirits when placed above entrances. Both the Druids and Celts considered the plant to have magical properties. And Christians adopted holly as a Christmas symbol because its sharp leaves represented a crown of thorns and the red berries blood.
The Romans associated ivy (Hedera) with the god Bacchus, who represents good times and plenty. Together with holly, the use of ivy became intertwined with year end celebrations and good luck.
The parasitic (and poisonous) mistletoe (Viacom album) kills its host and was thought to have magical properties. The Druids used it during a post Winter solstice celebration. It has since become more associated with a custom of kissing.
Laurel (Laurus nobilis), from which bay leaves come from, were the material used to create wreaths signifying power and success during the reign of the Persian Empire. Eventually such creations became part of Christmas tradition.
