Holly - A Symbol of Christmas and Maté

Holly - Symbol of Christmas and Mate

Holly (Latin: Ilex) is a genus from the holly family (Latin: Aquifoliaceae). Hollies are evergreen or deciduous shrubs that grow on all continents. Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants. Holly does not grow wild in the Czech Republic. Holly leaves are stiff, with edges that can be spiny or completely smooth. In some species, the leaves are deciduous. Holly flowers are most commonly arranged in clusters. The fruit of holly is a spherical fleshy drupe containing 4-6 seeds. Ripe fruits are red, brown, black, or occasionally green. Holly is used for creating funeral and Christmas (Advent) wreaths thanks to its appearance and versatility. Its glossy green leaves and red berries contain the basic colors of traditional Christmas. There are approximately 600 species of holly in the world. In the wild, they reach heights of up to 5 m, and they tolerate pruning well, so we can maintain them at a height that suits us. Holly can also be used to create a living hedge that will deter unwanted visitors with its thorns. Holly berries last on the plant from September to March, so a living hedge can be sufficiently decorative even in autumn months. Holly gives the garden a touch of nostalgia and Christmas in winter. Holly is a long-lived plant, growing for up to three hundred years. Both the berries and leaves of holly are poisonous, with one exception: Paraguayan Holly. Paraguayan Holly is an honorary representative of this genus, having both decorative uses, and its leaves can be used to prepare the stimulating beverage mate.

Paraguayan Holly (Latin: Ilex paraguariensis) is an evergreen tree native to South America, where it thrives in forests and along stream banks. It prospers in shaded locations, sheltered from direct wind. In nature, it grows up to 20 m in height. The leaves are oval-shaped with serrated edges, reaching a maximum length of 5 cm.

Growing Holly

Holly is an undemanding plant to grow. It thrives in richly fertilized and acidic soil. You can plant holly directly in peat. Choose a shaded location or partial shade for it. It tolerates summer droughts relatively well, but in winter it should not be exposed to harsh sun.

Holly handles the winter period well. In winter, add mulch bark to the plant or insulate it with non-woven fabric. Before frosts arrive, give it a more substantial watering.

How to ensure that the plant blooms and continues to stay green and grow? If a branch without flowers appears on the plant, it's better to remove it. For flowers and fruits, it's necessary to plant both male and female plants. The distance between them can be up to 20 m.

Christmas Tip in a Traditionally Non-traditional Guise

Holly, whether freshly cut or dried, should be cut into short sprigs with two to four leaves, always including the red berries. Attach them to the ends of Christmas tree branches with gold, green, or red ribbons, securing from underneath with wire if needed. For a more festive look, you can apply leaf shine to the leaves. For those with skillful hands and heads full of ideas, we don't need to describe the creation of Christmas wreaths, where we prepare the base from holly and can decorate it with pinecones, ribbons, and don't forget advent candles, to which we can glue holly berries using a hot glue gun or adhesive. Holly can decorate not only the festive table but also the entrance to your home. Holly will always be a symbol of Christmas, reminding us of that nostalgic time of gifts and family comfort, when it's freezing outside and snow is falling, and we're drawn to the warmth by the scent of cookies and anticipation.

Mate

Mate is a beverage prepared from the leaves of Paraguayan Holly (lat. Ilex paraguariensis), which is very popular in South America. Paraguayan Holly is mainly cultivated in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The holly beverage MATE has pronounced stimulating effects. It contains the alkaloid caffeine, minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and silicon. Also vitamins A, B, C, E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. Mate supports kidney function, strengthens the immune system, helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels, and improves metabolism. It also suppresses the feeling of hunger. Today it is also used in weight loss diets.

Mate is traditionally served in a vessel made from a hollowed-out gourd, from which it is sipped through a bamboo straw. South Americans drink mate at any time of day or night, mixed with lemonade or juice.

Preparing Mate

Fill the vessel in which you'll prepare the drink with loose mate to about half, or three-quarters. The vessel should be able to be closed with your hand and shaken. Once you've mixed it thoroughly, tilt the vessel to one side and first pour in a little cold water so that hot water doesn't scorch the mate, insert the straw into the vessel and pour in hot water at approximately 80°C (not boiling). Mate is not strained; it's drunk through a straw. The beverage can be flavored with honey, sugar, or lemon.