In ancient European cultures, the holly tree symbolized the waning sun commencing with the summer solstice and the oak tree symbolized the waxing sun commencing with the winter solstice. The Druids believed holly’s evergreen nature made it sacred and that it remained green throughout winter to keep the earth beautiful at a time when deciduous trees shed their leaves.
The First Holly Tree was discovered sometime between 28-70 A.D., and has since become widely popular around the world. Although it did not originate in Kentucky, it is still very popular in the state, and can be found in almost every forest.
According to Cornell Botanic Gardens.Traditionally, the Holly tree is highly sacred in Celtic mythology and symbolises peace and goodwill. Due to its resistance to lightning, it is associated with the Celtic and Norse gods of thunder, Taranis and Thor, and so was planted near dwellings to protect people from lightning strikes.