Some Of The More Popular Plants And Holly At Christmas Time

It's that time to haul out the holly and put up the tree before my spirit falls again. Everyone has their favorite plants, flowers and what not at Christmas time.  Today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight some of the most popular plants that you might see this Christmas season. You may have a few favorites yourself.

1. Holly - These are the green prickly leafy plants with red berries on them. Some have said that these represent the thorns that they placed on Jesus' head when he died. The berries represent the drops of blood he shed. In the pagan world, it was believed that holly represented men and ivy represented women. Whatever came into the house first over winter, would tell you who would rule the roost that year. It was back luck to bring both into the house at the same time.
2. Ivy - This plant needs to cling to something in order to support itself as it grows. Some say that the ivy is a reminder that we must cling to God for support. In Germany, they believe that it will protect their homes and churches from lightning strikes.
3. Laurel - This was actually used to crown victors in ancient Olympic games in Greece. It is also known as the "corruptible crown" as it was only green for so long before dying. A nice plant addition at Christmas time.
4. Fir & Yew Trees - Evergreen trees with plenty of spaces for ornaments. Many people display these particular trees in their homes at Christmas every year.
5. Christmas Wreaths - One of the first ornaments that you see on the front door of your neighbors home every year around Christmas time. Some attribute this to the Romans who would display the wreath on their doors to show social status or victory. The word 'wreath' is an old English word meaning 'writhen' which is to writhe or twist.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and is sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union.