Traditional Christmas Flowers and their Meaning

Christmas is coming, so we all need to get into the spirit. After a pretty torrid and boring 2020, we need to pick ourselves up and celebrate in the best way we possibly can. If you love Christmas, then you’re going to be in the right frame of mind leading up to the big day, and you’ll be able to kick your feet up knowing everything is blissful.

When it comes to the preparation side of things, you’re obviously going to cover a lot of different bases and make sure everyone is satisfied. You’ll get the gifts, the food, and the plans all ready for everyone. Something that a lot of people like to work on are the flowers and the floral designs around the house. Christmas brings out a lot of different things, but some of the plants associated are gorgeous and can really change the mood of a place for the better! Let’s quickly run through some traditional Christmas flowers, their meanings, and how best to handle them.

Christmas_Cactus_with_Pink_Flowers

What Are Some Of The Typical Christmas Flowers?

Some of the most beautiful flower arrangements are formulated around Christmas time. Winter and Christmas allow us to bring out some marvelous collections. Some of the typical Christmas flowers are the Poinsettia (literally known as the Christmas plant), the Amaryllis, holly, Christmas cactus, and, of course, mistletoe!

What Do These Flowers Represent?

They’re not just around to look pretty and supplement the environment – they have meanings behind them, and they have real intrinsic value. Decorating them or giving them to a loved one allows you to explain yourself without speaking. Here are what these flowers represent.

Amaryllis:

The Amaryllis tends to represent determination, beauty and love. The final meaning on the list is obviously perfect for this time of year. Amaryllis is a Greek female name that means ‘sparkle’, which is wonderfully apt for the Christmas time.

Christmas Cactus:

Also known as the Schlumbergera, the Christmas cactus doesn’t really have a traditional or official meaning attached to it. Many people like to use the longevity of the plant as a foundation for meaning. Perhaps the age it can live to could represent loyalty or resilience.

Poinsettia

Poinsettias have had a few meanings over the years. They were once considered to be a symbol of purity by past civilizations. They are now seen as a symbol of good cheer and success. They are said to bring wishes of celebration.

Mistletoe:

This kind of goes without saying, but the mistletoe will obviously have somewhat of a romantic representation due to the acts taken place underneath. There is a deeper, more somber meaning behind it in many communities, but we’ll choose the more positive idea as Christmas is a time for happiness.

Holly:

Holly was once a symbol of fertility and eternal life – it was thought to contain magical powers. Christians have, in this day and age, adopted the holly tree as a symbol for Christmas. The sharp leaves symbolize the thorns worn by Christ, and the berries represent Christ’s blood.

What Is The Meaning Of Gifting Such Flowers?

Obviously, each flower holds a different value and identity, but in gifting these flowers, you’ll be showing the recipients how much they mean to you. It would also allow you to let them know what you think of them – their meanings would align with their personalities and characteristics. For instance, handing over Christmas flowers would say to someone that they wish them nothing but success and happiness – especially at this time of year.

How Long Do Some Of These Flowers Live?

If you’re going to be investing in these plants, then you’ll probably want to know how long they’ll be able to last. It’s good to know beforehand as then you’ll, of course, have the best chance of increasing the lifespan.

Amaryllis:

Amaryllis will live for around a month to six weeks long. That is if you keep the conditions perfect. The bulbs will be able to live for several years if you take care of them properly.

Christmas Cactus:

The Christmas cactus can live for a very long time if cared for properly. If everything goes well, it can live for around thirty years. If it has long nights starting from around October 1st, then it can bloom year after year. Cool nights can encourage it to bloom.

Poinsettia

When looking to create wonderful Christmas flower arrangements, you’re going to want to make sure you’re taking good care by keeping them away from direct heat. Also, be sure to keep them away from drafts. A nice, warm temperature should keep them healthy. If you do this, then you should be able to keep them for around six weeks.

Are These Flowers Dangerous In Any Way?

With regard to the Amaryllis, you’ll likely receive an upset stomach if the bulb is ingested. It has been listed as toxic to both cats and dogs. The Christmas cactus, however, is not poisonous in any way to humans, cats, or dogs. That doesn’t mean you should feed them the cacti, though, as it could leave them with cases of vomiting and diarrhea.

The Christmas flower does not have any seriously dangerous effects when eaten. Exposure to any parts will have very little effect. It could cause mild irritation, nausea or vomiting, however.

Interested in ordering some Christmas flowers to decorate your home this season? At Rose Cart of San Jose serves the local San Jose, CA community and offers beautiful fresh holiday flowers and arrangements!

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