The Symbolism Behind Popular Christmas Flowers

The holidays are an important time for many families to decorate their homes and spread holiday cheer. Aside from festive decorations like lights, trees, and wreaths, flowers are also commonly used this time of year to brighten up indoor and outdoor spaces. However, did you know that several popular Christmas flowers carry meaningful symbolism beyond just aesthetics? In this blog, we would like to share with you the symbolic meaning behind some flowers commonly seen during the Christmas holidays.

Poinsettias

The bright red leaves of the poinsettia plant are a very recognizable traditional Christmas flower. According to tradition, poinsettias are said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem that led the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. The red color also represents the sacrifice and blood of Christ. Some cultures believe the poinsettia's red leaves remind us of Jesus' childhood. So this beautiful plant serves as a lovely reminder of God's love for us during Christmas.

Christmas Cactus

Another popular Christmas flowering plant is the Christmas cactus. Christmas cacti have beautiful pink, red, or white blossoms that usually open around Thanksgiving and last through Christmas. Although it's called a cactus, it's actually not from the cactus family. It's in the same family as rainforest plants. Christmas cacti have symbolic meaning too. Since they bloom during the Christmas season, they represent the hope, peace, and joy of Christmas. Many people keep Christmas cactus plants year after year as they remind us of Christmas past and present. The cheerful flowers signal that Christmas is near.

Christmas Rose

The Christmas rose is also recognized as a symbol of Christmas. It's sometimes called the Christmas pink or hellebore. Although it's not actually a rose, it earned the name because it blooms around Christmas time, even under snow. Its scientific name is Helleborus niger which means "black Christmas rose" in Latin. Symbolically, the Christmas rose represents eternal life, faith, and hope. Many Christians see it as representing Christ who brought new life and light to the world at Christmas. Even though it grows in cold winter weather, its cheerful symbolic Christmas flowers remind us that Christmas and Jesus' birth brought warmth, love, and joy into an otherwise icy season.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is another popular winter flowering plant seen during the Christmas holidays. It bears heart-shaped leaves and colorful blooms that come in shades of pink, white, and red. Cyclamen make excellent holiday floral presents or decorations. Symbolically, cyclamen represents sincerity, modesty, and good luck. Its wreath-like leaves also signify eternal life and rebirth. In parts of Europe, cyclamen is considered a symbol of parting as its blooms last until spring. Some interpret this as Jesus coming into the world at Christmas and departing at Easter. Others believe cyclamen signifies compassion - just as Jesus showed compassion by coming to earth as a child.

Paperwhites

If you have ever received paperwhites as a Christmas gift, their symbolism is quite interesting. Paperwhite flower delivery in New Haven NY and many parts of the world are often given around Christmas. They got their unusual common name from the unique-looking white flowers and delicate green leaves that are flat, thin, and papery. Symbolically, paperwhites are used in festive bouquets that represent hope, renewal, and a message that brighter days are ahead even in the depths of winter.

Christmas Orchids

Orchids are an exotically beautiful flower seen as a popular holiday gift available at many Oswego NY Florists. While many types of orchids are available year-round, some varieties like the moth orchid have become known as "Christmas orchids" since poinsettias were once hard to get. Christmas orchids come in shades of white, pink, red, and lavender. Their velvety texture makes them quite striking and, orchids as a whole signify love, luxury, beauty, strength, and refinement. As a Christmas flower gift, orchids convey elegance and wish the recipient joy and warmth during the winter season. Since moths are often associated with life, rebirth, and the soul, moth orchids came to symbolize the immortal spirit and hope that is embodied by Jesus and his message.

Oswego Florist offers a beautiful selection of holiday flower arrangements that incorporate poinsettias, holly, amaryllis, and more. Order Christmas flower delivery in Oswego NY from our floral designers craft tasteful wreaths, centerpieces, and bouquets perfect for any holiday table or mantle.