What's the significance?

[Samwise]

In Christmas wrapping, my address labels, cards and whatnot lately, I've made a point of using a lot of holly. I've got LOTR on the brain, (I know, NO KIDDING), and I know there's something LOTR-y/Tolkieny that has to do with holly. I was told once, but I've forgotten...save that it borders somewhere? smilies/rolleyes.gif
Anyone know where? (or who, what, when, how...all of that stuff?) smilies/frown.gif

[Imladris]

I think that was in Hollin, an elvish settlement, and they were close friends of the dwarves in Moria. Moria also had two large Holly trees before its gates. Unfortunately, the Krakin destroyed the two holly trees when the Fellowship passed through.

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

Imladris is correct, but to add to that... Hollin is also called Eregion. So if you see a reference to Eregion, it's the same place (an area of elvish settlement close to Moria).

[Samwise]

So then they used the Holly trees as their border because of the name of the region was Hollin? Or vice versa? smilies/wink.gif smilies/confused.gif smilies/tongue.gif

[Fíriel of Ao Tea Roa]

Tolkien followed the examples set in earlier days.. when most places where named after local charactersitics.. so the plants will have been there first.. though they may have disappeared and re-appeared again later ..