Have you ever wondered why we decorate a Christmas tree, or kiss under the mistletoe? Here is a look at the history of our favorite plants of Christmas.
photo by Santa & Sons
An estimated 25-30 million Christmas Trees are sold each year in the United States. It is one of the most recognized symbols of Christmas. So why do we decorate a Christmas tree? Many believe the tradition came from Germany, but the first written record of a decorated Christmas tree actually comes from Latvia (in Northern Europe). Local merchants would decorate a tree with roses, which was considered a symbol of the Virgin Mary. The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States in the 19th century by German settlers. In Germany, the Christmas tree was believed to symbolize the Garden of Eden and was decorated with apples, roses, and gilded candies.
photo by Pink Postcard
The Poinsettia is the most recognized flower of Christmas. Mexican legend suggests the poinsettia was given to Jesus as a gift, and that it symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. The use of this beautiful Christmas flower during Christmas celebrations dates back to the 17th century, and is also called "Flores de Noche Buena" in Mexico (Spanish for "flowers of the holy night"). Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, a U.S. Ambassador and the poinsettias namesake, introduced the flower to the United States from Mexico in 1828.
photo by Lowe's Home Improvement
Mistletoe was seen as a symbol of peace by the Druid priests, and was believed to have magical healing powers. They often used mistletoe in winter solstices. Kissing under the mistletoe comes from the Scandinavians who believed that the act would bring happiness and good luck in the following year.
photo by Le jardinet
Holly was thought to represent everlasting life (by the Druids) and was considered sacred due to the green leaves and bright berries that appeared during the winter. Although cutting a holly bush down was considered bad luck, hanging parts of the bush in doorways and homes was common to ward off evil spirits. These days, many feel the pointed leaves of the holly bush represents Christ's crown of thorns and the berries, Christ's blood.
I hope this small lesson in history helps you appreciate these beautiful plants of Christmas a little more during this season. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
photo by Santa & Sons
An estimated 25-30 million Christmas Trees are sold each year in the United States. It is one of the most recognized symbols of Christmas. So why do we decorate a Christmas tree? Many believe the tradition came from Germany, but the first written record of a decorated Christmas tree actually comes from Latvia (in Northern Europe). Local merchants would decorate a tree with roses, which was considered a symbol of the Virgin Mary. The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States in the 19th century by German settlers. In Germany, the Christmas tree was believed to symbolize the Garden of Eden and was decorated with apples, roses, and gilded candies.
photo by Pink Postcard
The Poinsettia is the most recognized flower of Christmas. Mexican legend suggests the poinsettia was given to Jesus as a gift, and that it symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. The use of this beautiful Christmas flower during Christmas celebrations dates back to the 17th century, and is also called "Flores de Noche Buena" in Mexico (Spanish for "flowers of the holy night"). Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, a U.S. Ambassador and the poinsettias namesake, introduced the flower to the United States from Mexico in 1828.
photo by Lowe's Home Improvement
Mistletoe was seen as a symbol of peace by the Druid priests, and was believed to have magical healing powers. They often used mistletoe in winter solstices. Kissing under the mistletoe comes from the Scandinavians who believed that the act would bring happiness and good luck in the following year.
photo by Le jardinet
Holly was thought to represent everlasting life (by the Druids) and was considered sacred due to the green leaves and bright berries that appeared during the winter. Although cutting a holly bush down was considered bad luck, hanging parts of the bush in doorways and homes was common to ward off evil spirits. These days, many feel the pointed leaves of the holly bush represents Christ's crown of thorns and the berries, Christ's blood.
I hope this small lesson in history helps you appreciate these beautiful plants of Christmas a little more during this season. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!