What's special about Ivy?

How often do we walk past the glossy tendrils of ivy, doing its thing of clambering, up and over walls and trees, without a second glance? Yet this plant has played a part through centuries in mankind's storytelling. We sing joyously of it at Christmas - it is not as great as the holly, the carol tells us, yet, some believed long ago that the ivy represented Mary mother of Jesus, and at Christmas we honour the plant. It is traditionally used in wreaths and decorations.

 Ivy Photo: Ally Rae

 It is also the symbol of Bacchus, or Dionysus, God of wine, son of Zeus, who is often depicted wearing a crown of ivy and carrying a branch round which ivy is entwined. This branch (a thyrus)) is believed to have been a fertility symbol. To the Druids, ivy was powerful, a potent symbol of strength. Ivy even today is considered a symbol of fidelity and is often used at weddings while centuries ago young women would carry it to aid fertility. The carols of the middle ages, reveal that holly was thought of as masculine and ivy, feminine. The folklore and legends surrounding this plant are legion. It is also 'brilliant' for wildlife. Wildlife Trusts tell us that it does not harm trees and it provides food and shelter throughout the winter and rich nectar for pollinators.