We all know the kind of plants best associated with Christmas. From the evergreen pine trees to the mistletoe where we had our first kiss. Even in the cold and dark times of the year, we still have many gorgeous plants to admire and cherish.
But do you know the history of these plants? Why is it that every year we bring a tree into our home (Or out of the attic)? Why do we even kiss under the mistletoe? What is the point of a wreath on our front door and mantlepiece?
Look no further. We're here to teach you a bit of Christmas trivia. It's sure to impress your family members as you wait for the turkey to cool down.
In this article, we've paired each traditional Christmas plant with one of our Christmas floral arrangements. We hope this will give you some brilliant ideas for your Christmas decorations.
So, pour the eggnog, roast the chestnuts, and let's dive into the history of the traditional Christmas plant.
Christmas Tree – The Centrepiece of it all
What is more traditional than a Christmas tree? Its connection to Christmas is so innate. It's in the name! Well, technically, it isn't.
Most of these trees aren't called so. It's the decorations that make it a Christmas decoration. Usually, fir, spruce or pine trees are our festive friends.
The tradition of taking trees in from the cold originates from medieval Livonia, where Estonia and Latvia now exist. Trade guild members would decorate and dance around the tree, like we do today!
Lutheran German protestants were famous for taking such trees into their homes. Christian Mystery plays once showed the tree in the garden of Eden as a spruce tree. Pagan polish traditions hung "podłaźniczka" from the ceiling, bits of decorated spruce, fir, or pine.
This traditional Christmas plant always had one purpose. Christmas trees bring a bit of brightness into the world when all things seem their darkest. It has been a reminder that even if the world outside looks dead and barren, it won't be forever. And these evergreen trees represent that.
Many of our dried flower bouquets will complement your tree. The subdued colours of dried flowers easily match the colours of this traditional Christmas plant. Have our Christmas flowers perk up your home.
Bring a bit of the wild outside into your home and remind yourself that brighter days are coming.
Christmas Wreath – A symbol of love forever
Wreaths have an even older origin than Christmas trees. Unlike them, they have a far less Christmassy, winter-like starting point.
The ancient Greeks and Romans are famous for starting the wreath tradition. They wove leaves together to convey authority, rank and status. Different leaves meant different ranks. For instance, oak leaves symbolised wisdom and Zeus. While laurel and olive leaves were rewards for winning in the Olympic Games.
What we currently recognise as an advent wreath came about as an animalist custom. Wreaths predate Christianity by untold years. Woven wool, straw, wheat or other objects celebrated the harvest. This season was an important period of the year for pre-Romanised cultures. Wreathes would hang on doors all year-round, not only at Christmas.
German Lutheran protestants in the 16th century pushed wreaths into our Christmas tradition. Wreaths with coloured candles counted the weeks as Christmas drew near. Protestants used this tradition to teach children about Advent and Christmas traditions.
This tradition is still in place today, not only among protestants but Catholics too! They're often a symbol of Jesus' love and the never-ending cycle of rebirth.
We have a lovely DIY Christmas Wreath, a cheerful combination of classic Christmas colours and style, featuring striking stems for those seeking a traditional decoration, typical of a Christmas-loving home.
Mistletoe – Christmas Romance perfected
Most of us have kissed someone under the mistletoe at least once in our lives. It's a tradition to kiss whenever two souls connect beneath these sneakily placed plants. Often found haphazardly sellotaped onto your kitchen door frame by mum.
But why has it earned this distinction as a plant of romance? As with most Christmas traditions, we head back to pagan times.
Many pre-Christian societies revered mistletoe as a symbol of Gods of Fertility. The leaves of the plant are an essential part of the infamous Norse story of Ragnarök, the end of the world. Since Roman times, mistletoe symbolised peace and understanding. Nowadays, it is a symbol of diplomacy, the same as olive branches.
Christianity incorporated many pagan traditions into its teachings. The idea of mistletoe as a symbol of fertility stuck around. The tradition of kissing under it comes from 18th-century servants.
These young lovers carried the tradition from medieval times. More chauvinistic, brutish male aristocrats quickly co-opted this tradition. They used it as an excuse to kiss any girl they'd like and bring woe and bad luck to those women who refused.
The plant has since become a staple symbol of Christmas. We tend to place mistletoe mantle pieces as part of wreaths and upon door frames worldwide.
Our Rustic Meadow preserved floral arrangements go perfectly with the natural white mistletoe. The muted colours of these dried flowers will be the most exquisite backdrop to the traditional symbol of love and fertility.
Don't just decorate your kitchen door. Bless your entire home with Christmas cheer!
Flowers for Christmas that last all year round
Just like the traditional Christmas plants described in this article, the flowers from our Christmas collection are preserved to last for as long as three years. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, our dried flowers are guaranteed to last at least one year and can last three years if kept out of direct sunlight and away from air conditioning outlets.
Amaranté is dedicated to offering ecological and sustainable flowers. This year, purchase eco-sustainable flowers to decorate your home for Christmas.
