Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without holly (Ilex aquifolium)! The custom of decorating with this herb may have originated from the ancient Roman practice of giving holly branches as emblems of friendship during the Festival of Saturn, celebrated just before the winter solstice. Holly superstitions abound still:

• Hang holly before mistletoe, or bad luck will come down your chimney.

• Never take holly down before Epiphany Eve (Jan. 5).

• Never burn green holly, or you'll invite death to visit.

• It's unlucky to bring flowering holly into the house or to step on a holly berry.