Many traditional Christmas flowers and plants originated in pagan celebrations that long preceded our modern Christmas:
- Some claim that the use of candles to decorate trees can be traced to the Roman celebrations of Saturnalia. Decorating with evergreen trees and boughs was later believed to evoke thoughts of spring, good cheer and hope.
- The use of mistletoe dates back to the Celtic Druids who saw the plant as a symbol of peace and joy: Enemies who met under mistletoe in a forest would lay down their arms and embrace, a custom that has led to our modern habit of kissing under the mistletoe.
- In the Middle Ages, the “masculine” holly, its green branches accented by bright red berries, and the “feminine” ivy, were used together to ward off evil spirits and to symbolize eternal life.
More modern traditions have brought us the poinsettia. Once seen as a sign of purity by the ancient Aztecs in Mexico, it is now the most popular of the Christmas flowers. A Mexican legend describes the evolution of poinsettias from Aztec symbols to Christmas flowers: A poor boy who had no money for a gift to offer Christ on Christmas Eve picked some weeds by the roadside and when he got to the church, they blossomed into the beautiful red of the poinsettia flower, causing many to claim they had witnessed a Christmas miracle.
So, if you feel inspired and wish to deck out your home or office this Christmas season, it has never been easier! Just visit Brant Florist‘s online store, view and select from our exquisite variety of Christmas Day floral decorations and easily place your online order for a prompt worldwide delivery.