English: Holly, Ocknell Pond Thought to be unlucky to cut down, it forms the centre of many a hedge and performs this role well given its prickly nature. The evergreen leaves and long lasting berries have contributed to Holly’s reputation for “eternity and power” to ward off destruction and evil spirits. In Shropshire, there is a type of Holly without prickles called “Slike Holly”. It has a white hardwood and was used for carving and making handles such as stock whips. Holly is to be brought indoors only at Christmas otherwise it brings bad luck. Holly is often planted in front of a house to bring good luck. and is thought to bring protection against storms. In folklore the Holly is associated with the spirit of vegetation and the waning forces of nature, which are represented through the mythical figure of the Holly King. The Holly King rules nature during its decline from mid-summer through to mid-winter, when at the winter solstice he is defeated in ritual combat by his brother the Oak King, who then claims and rules the following seasons. The Holly King is often depicted as an old man dressed in winter clothing wearing a wreath of Holly on his head and walking with the aid of a staff made from a Holly branch. Traditionally at Christmas time a man was dressed up and covered in Holly branches and leaves, and a woman was likewise dressed in Ivy (the female counterpart of Holly). Together they would be paraded through the streets hand in hand leading the old year into the new. This is symbolic of the fertile interaction of the goddess and god during natures decline and the darkest time of the year, from which the new light of the sun-god springs forth encouraging fresh growth and renewed vegetation during the coming new year. Today the Holly King has been stylized by the figure of Santa Claus.