A to Z Herbarium: Ivy

Herbs-Pablo

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Ivy

Protection, healing

Ivy

 

Ivy is worn by brides for good luck; women will carry it for good luck in general. It protects against negativity and disaster wherever it grows or proliferates.

Symbolically, ivy is feminine. When paired with holly, which is symbolically masculine, it is said it will bring peace in the home between husband and wife for the following year.

Thyrsus

Thyrsus

Though ivy is potentially toxic, especially in large doses, it has nevertheless been used to treat ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, and sore throats. It apparently has even been used to get rid of stretch marks.

The thyrsus—a wand or staff used in worshiping Bacchus—was often wound with ivy.
Sources:

Cunningham’s Encylopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham, 2016, Llewellyn Publications

The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids

 

 

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JazzFeathers - 6 years ago

I suppose I should get a plant of ivy right away, may be able to bring some good luck in these parts 😉
I even like it.

@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – 1940s Film Noir

Reply
    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    Unfortunately, ivy’s good luck properties weren’t enough to keep it alive in my attempts to grow it. 😛 I absolutely love it though.

    Reply
Sophie Duncan - 6 years ago

Now I know why we sing about The Holly and the Ivy together – another piece of natural lore that has been absorbed into Christmas. I did not know it represented good luck.
Sophie
Sophie’s Thoughts & Fumbles – Dragon Diaries

Reply
    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    I love how little tidbits like that persist through the years and culture. 🙂

    Reply
Hilary Melton-Butcher - 6 years ago

Hi Sara – funny – I’d have thought Holly was feminine and Ivy male … I had an ivy once for about 5 years … til he got left at a house for a longer life … he was called Percy – I see it should have been Percelina. I didn’t know about Ivy bearing good luck – oh! perhaps I should find another Percelina! Cheers Hilary

http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/i-is-for-ice-age-art.html

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    Same here, but I guess that’s our doing with having Holly as a girl’s name. I love how you named your ivy! 😀 I’ve not had much luck growing it. Maybe I should give it another shot…

    Reply
Sylvia van Bruggen - 6 years ago

This puts a whole new perspective on the song “the holly and the ivy”.

I really love your blog series by the way! Have bookmarked your blog to return to for after the A to Z challenge, because I have missed a lot of posts in the busy days past 🙂

¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Good luck on the rest of your A to Z challenge

Sylvia @ The Creative Life

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying it. And I hear you about visiting blogs after the Challenge, I’m going to need to do that too. 🙂

    Reply
Nick Wilford - 6 years ago

Never knew the link between holly and ivy before and I guess that’s why the two are associated with Christmas – to ensure harmony for the coming year. Interesting!

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    The world’s a happier place with holly and ivy ruling the roost. 😉

    Reply
susan scott - 6 years ago

well, I’ve learned something – the holly and the ivy, pairing the masculine and feminine. Thanks for your words of wisdom Sara.

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    Thanks for reading, Susan. 🙂

    Reply
Tarkabarka - 6 years ago

And now I have “The Holly and the Ivy” stuck in my head forever… 😀

The Multicolored Diary: WTF – Weird Things in Folktales

Reply
    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    You’re welcome. 😉

    Reply
djinnia - 6 years ago

ivy is beautiful. i’ve always loved it, but it won’t grow here. too hot and too dry.

it makes sense about the pairing, . . . and now i have the song stuck in my head. sigh.

the thyrsus is new to me.

Reply
    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    I also love it. And you’re welcome about the song. 😉

    Reply
Carrie-Anne - 6 years ago

I always loved buildings with ivy growing all over the walls, and the name Ivy itself. The Ivy I knew was quite an interesting character! I also didn’t know about the pairing of holly with ivy.

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    I also love ivy covered buildings! And I have a niece named Ivy. 🙂

    Reply
Michelle Wallace - 6 years ago

I vaguely recall the hollow and ivy combination, but I can’t remember where I heard it. Maybe a festive context?

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Deborah Weber - 6 years ago

A wall of our garage is covered in ivy and I always think it’s so lovely. Now I’ll see it with even more regard.

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    You are lucky indeed, both for the ivy and its beauty! 🙂

    Reply
Molly of Molly's Canopy - 6 years ago

Ivy abounds in my neighborhood, which always seems to have a good vibe. And there is plenty of holly, too. First time hearing about this pairing.

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    How lovely that you have both in your area! 🙂

    Reply
Stephanie - 6 years ago

Learned quite a bit with this entry — thanks for sharing!

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    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

    Reply
Keith's Ramblings - 6 years ago

I’ve always wondered about the connection between holly and ivy. I shall wonder no more!

Another day in Amble Bay!

Reply
    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    Glad I could be of service. 🙂

    Reply
Melanie Atherton Allen - 6 years ago

Hey Sara! How interesting– and it is remarkable how many things are both a poison and a medicine…

Reply
    Sara C. Snider - 6 years ago

    It is very interesting. Seems there is often a fine line between health/medicine and sickness.

    Reply
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