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December 1, 2021
‘Tis the season for amaryllis, mistletoes, poinsettias, and more! As you’re decorating your home for the holiday season, have you ever wondered the history of our Christmas flowers and why we decorate with them? All of the gorgeous flowers we decorate with on Christmas are loaded with symbolism and significance that can fill your home with Christmas spirit!
The gorgeous star shaped flowers comes in a variety of shades but we of course will be highlighting its festive red shade. A fun fact about the amaryllis is that in Greek it means “to sparkle” – which fits perfectly as we discuss the holiday season! The amaryllis symbolizes strength and determination and have been a popular Christmas flowers since the Victorian times.
While these flowers are gorgeous, they actually have a tragic love story behind them! According to Greek mythology, a nymph named Amaryllis fell in love with a shepherd named Alteo. The story says that Amaryllis was so love in with Alteo that she planned to pierce her heart every day with a golden arrow. On the 30th day, Alteo found, in her place, a red amaryllis flower that is said to have grown from her blood. This story is why the red amaryllis symbolizes strength and determination. But this flower comes in other gorgeous colors like purple, white, orange, pink, and yellow.
The amaryllis can be used around the holidays as a festive wreath, a gorgeous centerpiece, or even on your Christmas tree! It accents well with the other flowers you see during the holidays.
We have to touch on the holiday favorite- mistletoe! Mistletoe is a plant that symbolizes peace and good luck. This is why so many people hang mistletoe throughout their home during the Christmas season. In fact, you’re supposed to keep it hung up through the New Year to encourage good luck in the new year.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in ancient Greece during their festival of Saturnalia which then led to them kissing under it during marriages as well. Mistletoe is associated with fertility so, it’s said, that kissing under it was to help with fertility. However, this plan is actually poisonous so while it might look pretty it’s incredibly toxic if the berries are consumed.
Probably the most well-known tradition when it comes to Christmas! The poinsettias are known for the bright red flowers, but they also come in subtle shades of white and pink as well! Most often poinsettias are purchased as the entire plant but here at Petals and Pinot, we like to use them in our arrangements as gorgeous accent pieces. The poinsettia, which is also the December birth flower, symbolizes good cheer and success. Seems very fitting for the Christmas season!
You’re probably wondering how the poinsettia first got associated with the Christmas season. It’s said to of come from a Mexican legend where a poor girl gathered weeds from the side of the street to bring to her Christmas church service as a gift to Jesus. While she was walking down the aisle with the weeds, they miraculously turned into the bright red flowers we know and love. Ever since in Mexico, poinsettias have been known as ‘Flowers of the Holy Night.’ Even before this though poinsettias were well known for originating in Mexico due to the ancient Aztec using their red dye to treat illness.
As you start to fill your home for the holidays, consider these gorgeous flowers and adding them your décor! Some other popular flowers you might see are azalea, orchids, roses, and paperwhites. Let Petals & Pinot help you fill your home with the Christmas spirt! We can create the perfect arrangements to match your home or even send arrangements to your loved ones. If you’re looking to create your own arrangement, join us for a BYOB floral class! You can create a homemade wreath or the perfect tabletop centerpiece! We offer floral delivery in the Lewisville, Coppell, and Denton areas.
Happy Holidays for Petals & Pinot!