This social history of the Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
in Britain is presented in two parts: its ritual and practical uses.
The ritual uses trace the story of Holly from ancient fertility
rites for the winter solstice in the Eastern Mediterranean through
to Rome and pagan North-West Europe and its adoption into early
Christianity. Medieval church records reveal its symbolic use as
"The Body of Christ" and its rise as the prime plant to
celebrate Christmas. After prohibition by the Puritans it was revived
at the Restoration and revitalised by the Victorians.
The section on practical uses is full of surprises
from the making of hundreds of thousands of horse-whip handles to
shuttles for the woollen weavers and the bobbins in the cotton industry
leading the Industrial Revolution.
Holly blocks were carved for printing book illustrations,
cotton dresses and wallpaper while the branches yielded birdlime,
fodder and chimney-sweeping material. The leaves were used for medicine.
All in all, the Holly played important roles in British life from
industry to the rural economies of the farmer and the village woodworker.
Number of Pages : 80
Size : A5
Price : £6.00
ISBN-10 : 1-901087-25-5
ISBN-13 : 978-1-901087-25-3
