The form and shape of ivy, together with its spiralling growth pattern have caused the shrub to be associated with the movements of the stars and constellations. Ivy has long been held sacred to the moon, just as holly is seen as devoted to the sun. The old Christmas carol 'The Holly and the Ivy' preserves this ancient belief, expressing hostility or rivalry between the two plants. On one level this is because the ivy is considered female and the holly male. In parts of England at the midwinter festival. a boy and girl - dressed in holly and ivy - walk together through towns and villages, singing old satirical songs against each other in a kind of poetic contest. Ivy is used to bind the last stook of wheat at the time of harvest. It is known as 'Ivy Girl' and treated as a sign of good luck.

from_Ancient wisdom from the greenwood_*THE GREEN MAN TREE ORACLE*