The Meaning Behind Popular Christmas Flowers and Their Symbolism

Has anyone ever wondered why we decorate with certain flowers during the Christmas season? While poinsettias, holly, and Christmas cacti have become familiar holiday sights, there are rich histories and symbolism behind each one. Many Christmas flowers not only bring festive color and cheer but also represent important religious themes or folk traditions. In this blog, we will share the unique backstories and Christmas flower meanings throughout history.

Poinsettia

Poinsettia is one of the most popular Christmas flowers. You will often see poinsettias decorating homes, churches, and public places during the holidays. Poinsettias have bright red leaves that stand out and add festive color.

Poinsettias have special flower meaning during Christmas time. According to tradition, poinsettias represent the star that led the Three Wise Men to Jesus. The red color also symbolizes the blood of Jesus or the Nativity story. So poinsettias serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Poinsettias are very easy to care for as cut flowers. You just need to keep them in a warm spot away from drafts. Make sure to water them occasionally too. The vivid red leaves will last throughout the whole Christmas season.

Christmas Cactus

Another popular plant around Christmas time is the Christmas cactus. Like poinsettias, Christmas cactuses have colorful blooms that add holiday cheer. But unlike a poinsettia, a Christmas cactus is a cactus!

You will see Christmas cactuses with pink, red, or white blooms. They tend to flower from late November through December and are widely available for Christmas flower delivery. So their blooming time makes them a perfect match for the Christmas season. They now symbolize shelter, love, and protection during winter months. Their flowers reassure us that warmer and brighter days are ahead despite the cold winter season.

Holly

Holly is one of the most iconic Christmas plants. You've probably seen holly leaves and bright red berries featured in many Christmas decorations and cards.

In many Christian traditions, holly represents the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his crucifixion. The prickly leaves also symbolize the suffering of Jesus. At the same time, its red berries are a sign of Christ's blood shed on the cross.

Ancient pagans saw holly as a plant that could ward off evil spirits and ill luck. So Holly provided extra protection and goodwill during winter months. Even today, Holly brightens up homes and churches with its festive appearance around Christmas.

Christmas Orchid

When you think of orchids, you likely don't associate them with Christmas. However, the blooming time of Phalaenopsis orchids makes them lovely flowers for Christmas. These are commonly called "Moth Orchids".

Phalaenopsis orchids come in a variety of white, pink, and multi-colored blooms. They flower from fall through winter which coincides with the Christmas season. Their delicate blooms impart feelings of holiday delicacy and refined beauty.

Some see orchids as a symbol of luxury during Christmas. Its flowers in Haslett, Michigan can raise the glamour of any holiday decor. Plus, moth orchids are very long-lasting cut flowers that will brighten up your home for several weeks.

Christmas Rose

Helleborus niger, commonly called the Christmas Rose, blooms during the winter holidays despite cold weather. This earns it the name "Christmas Rose" even though it's not technically a rose.

Legend says that the first Christmas Rose bloomed in the snow on Christmas Eve. Its white petals were seen as a sign of echoing the purity and peace of the newborn Jesus. That's why the Christmas Rose became a symbol of Christmas and the winter season.

The Christmas Rose continues to be valued for blooming during the coldest, darkest time of year. Its white flowers light up the winter landscape and forests. They represent hope, renewal, and rebirth when nothing else is blooming.

Also Read: What kind of flowers bloom all year long?

Christmas Cedar

When you smell that fresh evergreen scent, it instantly puts you in a Christmas spirit. That's because one of the signature scents of Christmas comes from cedar trees and boughs.

The classic Christmas tree is often a variety of cedar or pine trees. Cedar Christmas flower arrangements, garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces add that signature evergreen fragrance to any room during the holidays too. Their soft green needles enhance any winter holiday décor.

Some believe the cedar tree's triangular shape represents the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The enduring branches signify everlasting life. So using cedar trees and boughs for Christmas reminds us of faith and eternity.

Christmas Pine Cones

Out in nature, pine cones adorn pine trees all year long including Christmas time. So pine cones make another traditional holiday decoration. You will commonly see them included in winter centerpieces, wreaths, and crafts.

Christians saw pine cones as a symbol of fertility, life cycles, and immortality since they contained new pine seeds. For pagans, pine cones warded off evil spirits and guaranteed good fortune. In Christianity, pine cones became a symbol of eternal life through Jesus.

Their decorative scale patterns and rustic woodsy appearance complement any Christmas winter scene. Collecting pine cones outside is a nice seasonal craft too. So pine cones represent both nature and religious meaning during the Christmas holidays.

Did you enjoy learning about the significance behind poinsettias, holly, Christmas roses, and other symbolic Christmas flowers? Now you can bring the history and tradition of these plants home. Petra Flowers Co. offers a wide collection of cut flowers perfect for adding Christmas spirit and meaning to your decor– order East Lansing flower delivery!