Holly Jolly Christmas

Date Posted: Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

It’s mentioned in songs and it’s image covers wrapping paper and greeting cards. Wreaths are adorned with it and mantles are decked with it. It keeps company with mistletoe. It’s the state tree of Delaware and one of the most recognizable images of the holiday season.

The American holly became the state tree of Delaware by an act of the General Assembly on May 1, 1939. Governor Richard C. McMullen signed the act recognizing the booming export market for this cheap and readily available, native tree.

But why holly? The story of this celebrated holiday icon starts much earlier than this.

Ancient religions believed that the mighty holly kept bad spirits at bay and, thus, holly became a symbol of goodwill. This belief carried on and became associated with modern winter celebrations. The abundance
of American holly in Delaware in the early 20^th century made southern Delaware the epicenter for the holly industry.  By 1930, Delaware had become the leading producer of holly wreaths. Families capitalized on this cottage industry, often adding $100-$500 to their yearly earnings by producing fresh wreaths and sprays from Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas. These wreaths were marketed all
over the country as coming “From the Land of Holly.”

Beyond its aesthetic value, holly is a vital part of the Delaware eco system. It’s important to know that while generally toxic to humans, the holly tree offers important nutrition and shelter to birds and other wildlife
throughout the winter.

Today, holly is an unmistakable image of the holiday season and like many pieces of American history, Delaware had a hand in it.

Related Topics:  American Holly, Delaware Holly Industry, Delaware State Symbol