Holly is thought of as a tree of Winter, even though it is an evergreen. As Oak is guardian of the light half of the year, so Holly is guardian of the dark half. The striking contrast between the glossy deep green leaves and the bright red berries brings cheer during the bleakness of the countryside in the colder months.
The Ogham mantra for Holly is Tinne, pronounced Chin-yuh. It represents protection and defence, as the prickly leaves challenge anyone to invade its depths, yet small birds and insects are safely protected within. Spiders can be sure their webs are safe within the leaves of Holly, as the denseness of its foliage foils the most gale force of winds.