<P> The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history . In the 15th century , it was recorded that in London it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be `` decked with holm , ivy , bays , and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green '' . The heart - shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus , while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches , its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed . </P>
<P> The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history . In the 15th century , it was recorded that in London it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be `` decked with holm , ivy , bays , and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green '' . The heart - shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus , while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches , its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed . </P>
what is the original meaning of ivy at christmas
what is the original meaning of ivy at christmas
the coming to earth of Jesus
the coming to earth of Jesus