Holly Berry
The Magic of Winter Berries

For centuries, holly has been associated with winter and Christmas traditions, thanks in part to its bright red berries and evergreen leaves.

Even in pre-Christian times, plants that stayed green throughout the winter symbolised vitality, protection and good fortune during the darkest time of the year.

Christianity gave holly additional layers of meaning: its evergreen foliage came to represent eternal life, its berries the blood of Christ, and its prickly leaves the crown of thorns.

In Victorian Britain, holly became a popular festive decoration.

Since the nineteenth century, it has adorned homes, book illustrations and greetings cards throughout the festive season. The rich red and green of holly continue to shape the visual world of Christmas. As a symbol of constancy, hope and the ideal of a harmonious family Christmas, holly remains an enduring emblem of the festive season.

Today, the term “holly berries” is often used for winter berry decorations made not only from holly but also from the fruits of plants such as mistletoe, hawthorn and rose hip.

This exhibition traces their history from the pagan customs with which they first became associated, through their use in cooking and traditional medicine, to their role as a symbol of Christmas. Historic tree ornaments, festive decorations, Christmas cards and many other objects tell the story of why these bright red berries have symbolised hope, protection and the joy of life for centuries.

Children can follow their own trail through the exhibition, searching for birds hidden among the holly berries.