双语阅读｜为什么我们在圣诞节用冬青树装饰？(6)

冬青在德语中被称为christdorn，意思是“基督刺”。这两个象征都是为了提醒基督徒耶稣所受的苦难，但它们并不是唯一把冬青和耶稣联系在一起的故事。一种说法是，耶稣被钉在十字架上的十字架是用冬青建造的。另一种说法是冬青从他的脚步中冒了出来。不太常见的象征符号包括冬青的白色花朵代表纯洁，以及这样的想法:如果用来装饰圣诞节的冬青是带刺的，那么这个男人将在来年统治这个家;但如果使用的冬青是光滑的，女人将统治。

Characteristics of Holly 冬青的特点

Holly berries are prominent in the winter.
冬青浆果在冬天很显眼。
Holly (Ilux Aquifolium) is a shrub or tree found primarily in North America, Europe and Asia. With hundreds of species of the plant ranging from short shrubs (two meters high) to tall trees (up to forty meters high), it"s known primarily for its bright crimson berries and prickly green leaves.
冬青(Ilux Aquifolium)是一种灌木或乔木，主要分布在北美、欧洲和亚洲。这种植物有数百种，从低矮的灌木(两米高)到高大的树木(高达40米)，它主要因其鲜红的浆果和带刺的绿叶而闻名。
Hollies can be evergreen, meaning the plant"s glossy leaves are on the tree year-round, or deciduous, meaning the leaves fall off seasonally. Most hollies are evergreens that can thrive in the sunlight or the shade and benefit from well-drained soil. The leaves, characterized by a waxy texture and serrated edges, are dioecious, with male and female reproductive structures found on separate plants. Both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) hollies bloom in May or June, yielding white flowers. But only the females can produce berries. In order for this production to occur, a male plant must be near a female plant for the process of pollination to take place. Insects, like bees, help cross-pollinate female hollies, transferring pollen from the male to the female plants.