There are more than 400 species of holly (Ilex spp), including evergreen and expired species or trees, bushes and climbing vines.

European Acebo, Ilex Aquifolium. Source: Danielle Teychennepublicado under public domain CC0

Other names Espino de Cristo, Sacred Tree, Hulver, Holme, Holme Chase, bat wings, Aquifolium, Tinne, black drink plant, perennial needle oak.

Some Acebo species

Ilex Aquafolium The European holly, thorn of Christ, is a broad and perennial -leaf tree originally from Europe. It is the variety whose brilliant leaves and bright berries are used a lot in decorating the winter holidays. Most of the information on this page applies to this species.

Ilex Verticillata The Winterberry, Acebo from Michigan, Acebo from Canada, is originally from North America. It is not perennial, but its bright red berries persist during winter.

History and folklore

The Romans sent cuebo branches and gifts to their friends during Saturnalia a custom that the first Christians adopted despite the controversies. An edict of the Church of Bracara prohibited Christians from decorating their homes with holly due to their origins as a practical pagan. In Great Britain, people decorated their houses with holly in winter to invite Silvan spirits to take refuge there [3].

Folklore or legend of writing Celtael Acebo The protection symbolized protection, luck and fertility. Christmas symbolismTable 1: folklore and legends of holly

A legend says that holly arose from the steps of Jesus Christ, and that his thorns and red berries represent his suffering and his blood [3].

In the Neopagana tradition, King Acebo governs the dark half of the year, from the autumn equinox to the spring, being stronger in the middle of winter, while his counterpart and adversary King Roble is vice versa.

In heraldry, holly represents the truth.

Symbolism and Acebo Associations

Symbol or association of description

Magical attributes

In the traditional English folklore, the leaf without thorns are male, called «He-Holly», and the most common variety, with thorns, is feminine, or «She-Holly» [2]. Acebo is associated with Saturn by Nicholas Culpeper [1]and Mars and the element of fire according to other sources.

Holly can be used in consecration and spells to obtain material benefits, physical revenge, beauty, protection (especially against lightning), luck and magic of dreams.

Acebo can also be used in any ritual related to death, rebirth and seasonal mysteries. As holly burns very hot, it is suitable for any fire party.

Magic -description Use FTACH COLLECTION BOOKS AT HOME AS PROTECTION TO HOUSE THE MALIGNOSCOLGAR ABOTable 2: Magic Acebo Uses

With Acebo wood, very good wands are manufactured that can be used to banish unwanted entities, and order evoked spirits.

It is said that planted near a house repels the poison and protects from witchcraft and rays. Wood has the power to tame animals and flowers to freeze water.

Herb water made with holly has protective properties.

Holly brought Yule home invites the fairy people to take refuge with you in the cold of winter, but these green should be burned in Imbolc so that they do not cause problems all year. However, a small branch must be preserved and hang it out of the house to protect it from the rays.

In the Scottish tradition, the branches of hol [2].

Healing attributes

Modern herbalists do not usually use holly. Fresh berries are poisonous and cause violent vomiting if they are ingested. Dry and sprayed berries can be used as an astringent.

Curativadesal description Antiinflamatoriae uses to relieve inflammation and joint pain of fever can help reduce fever and lower the corporala and digestive temperature and digestion to digestion and relieves digestive problems.Table 3: Curative Properties of Acebo

The leaves contain theobromine, which has a weak diuretic effect on the kidneys, and a standard power infusion can be used to help lower fever [1].

Spread

Acebo must be planted in a protected area, on a well drained and fertile soil. It can tolerate some shadow, but the more sun receives, the thicker the foliage will be. It must be planted at the beginning of spring and cover the roots with mulch well. Not the transplant if you can avoid it. He does not like to transplant it and when you do it can lose the leaves. If you have patience, you can grow again without problems.

Acebo produces male and female flowers in different plants. You will need one in each if you want berries and should not be separated more than 30 meters.

The subscriber and pruning must be made in spring. Keep it wet during the summer months, but do not laugh in autumn and winter. Do not water in excess. The roots do not appreciate saturation.

The Acebos planted from seeds take two years to germinate.

Collection and storage

Cut the holly as necessary. It dries very well if you hang in a well ventilated place.

Domestic use

Acebo wood is hard and very white. It has a good grain for use in a lathe and makes excellent wands. Accept the spots very well. It must be very dry and cured before using it to avoid deforming.