While laurel and olive wreaths were more common, Ivy was also sometimes given to victorious athletes in ancient Olympic Games. The Romans first, and later the Christians, began to deck their halls with boughs of holly as it was believed to have protective powers. Arianrhod Why Is Ivy a Vigorous and Aggressive Plant? This highly invasive crawling and climbing plant belongs to the family Araliaceae, a species found in most continents. If the holly used for Christmas decorations is smooth, the wife will be master. This information should in no way be used as a substitute for medical advice from a professional. tree sign, your networking abilities will further both your personal goals and within, and in the spring we follow it up into the light for our own It is also associated with the Greek God of wine and fertility Dionysus, often seen covered in ivy and grape vines. More than that, all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets. to TheGoddessTreeGrows, or As with so many other symbols of holly has been a religious symbol in many parts of the world for over 2000 years. Read on to learn more about the very interesting meanings some of these traditional greens have. if(MSFPhover) { MSFPnav1n=MSFPpreload("../_derived/up_cmp_sunflower-with-tree-bark010_hbtn.gif"); MSFPnav1h=MSFPpreload("../_derived/up_cmp_sunflower-with-tree-bark010_hbtn_a.gif"); } Ivy covered tombstone in Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. ©2005 Kimberly Powell. Ivy is magickally paired with Holly. It’s commonly found on indoor topiaries, outdoor hanging baskets and containers. // --> , Subscribe There are various symbols which are associated with Christianity in the world today. grown or strewn, it guards against negativity and disaster. Ancient Romans associated holly with their Sun god, Saturn. Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows. In Christianity, the lily is considered as a symbol of chastity and purity. Ivy, Laurel & Rosemary. // -->