Bible Dictionary
IVY
Ivy is mentioned in connection with the pagan festival of Dionysus, when Jews under Antiochus Epiphanes were forced to carry it. The plant was sacred to the Greek god of wine.
Biblical Usage
Ivy is mentioned in 2 Maccabees when Jews were compelled to join a procession to Dionysus carrying the plant. The New Testament also refers to the corruptible crown of athletic games, though the supplied material connects such crowns with ivy or pine.