According to a legend told by celts at the beginning of winter, King Oak reigns in the warmer months and as the light of the year becomes, Holly King did it in the coldest season and with less daylight. When the first lost its leaves, the second showed its most beautiful splendor with a veil of green leaves covered with red berries.
Holly’s capacity (Ilex aquifolium) to remain vigorous despite cold, rain and snow, together with the magnificent combination of red and green colors, has caused this species to be seen as a species. symbol of power and eternity Since old times.
The Celts thought this could happen too. drive away evil spirits, possibly due to its spiny leaves. For this reason, it was customary to do it. holy wreaths as an element of protection and good luck. Later Christianity adopted it as one of the most characteristic Christmas symbols. However, few people know about its uses and current struggle for survival.
Vivid and bright appearance
We are talking about a shrub or small tree with a straight trunk, a smooth bark and a dense pyramid-shaped crown. Undoubtedly, its leaves and fruits are its most outward attributes. The first is simple and persistent, with a bright green color on the surface (top of the leaf) and a very prickly edge (hence the term aquifoliummeans “needle leaves”).
Fruits found in female specimens, small and globular, dark red or bright yellow. judicial drupesRipens in October or November and They remain on the plant throughout the winter..
brings holly food and shelter for many species in times of famine, especially birds, which highlights its great ecological value. On the other hand, they are long-lived species: normally They can live up to a century.and maybe much more.
he likes height
Originally from Southern and Western Europe, this species can be found as single specimens and thickets of oak and beech grovesor in dense thickets as the dominant species.
very easy to see inside mountainous areasBecause it can go up to 2,000 meters high. In Spain, for example, we can find holly with oak forests and in mountainous areas such as the Cantabrian mountain range or the northern plateau.
It has been used for a large number since ancient times. features and symbolismIt is known by many different local names such as agrifolio, alebro, aquifolio, xandon, asibino anyone rascacou.
But before we learn more about this breed, we will explore its connection with the Christmas holiday.
Red color and thorns, Christian symbols
It is used as an ornamental plant in these dates, An attempt to displace mistletoe, Christianity’s pagan counterpartA species used by the Druids for their winter solstice festivities. this red berries evoked the blood of JesusThe leaves with thorny edges are identified with the crown of thorns that Christ wore.
When Christianity spread to Europe, the sanctuary retained its symbolism in many areas and began to form part of religious holidays, especially Advent and Christmas.
A valuable natural resource
But holly was not only revered for these magical properties. It was so much more and it is. It has been used as a natural resource since ancient times, carpentry Y marquetry for hardwood and compact, rot resistant.
Moreover, Ilex aquifolium It has been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and laxative properties. The berries have laxative properties and can cause vomiting, Causes poisoning if consumed.
protected species
But her stunning looks and virtues played against her. Its collection for medicinal and ornamental uses and its use in carpentry and inlay are declining natural populations. They also contributed habitat loss and successive increase temperatures As a result climate change. It is currently under protection in many regions.
By Red List of Threatened Species Prepared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (updated 2018), the holly is a protected species in the LC category (Spanish for “least concern”).
Ilex aquifolium It also appears to be collected in different catalogs and regional lists, as in Andalusia, which also includes holly. Red List of Andalusian Vascular Flora It is included in the List of Wild Species Under the Andalusian Special Conservation Regime and in the “vulnerable” species category.
Because of its scientific and ecological value, diverse uses, symbology and undeniable beauty, the holly deserves to be protected and used sustainably. May it continue to banish evil spirits for hundreds of centuries more!
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Reference article: https://theconversation.com/el-acebo-mucho-mas-que-un-simbolo-navideno-195963
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Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]
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