Ice crystals on holly leaves in a woodland in Ambleside, Cumbria, England (© Ashley Cooper/Aurora Photos)

【December 19 2014】These green leaves are holly, a plant that's become synonomous with Christmas. But as is often the case, its symbolic roots go deeper than that. Folklorists say the Celtic tribes in ancient Britain celebrated winter by gathering holly, still green in winter and usually full of ripe red berries, despite the cold. They put the holly boughs on their windows, hoping fairies would find shelter under the leaves, and evil spirits trying to enter the home would catch on the thorny leaves. When the Romans took over, bringing Christianity with them, they borrowed some of the Celtic solstice traditions and holly became a part of the Christmas celebration. Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..