Holiday Plants: A Festive Tradition Around the World
Christmas Plants in North America
When we think of Christmas, certain plants come to mind. The most iconic is the Christmas tree. This tradition of decorating evergreens like fir, pine, and spruce originated in Germany and other parts of northern Europe, where people believed these trees had magical powers. Bringing greens indoors was thought to protect the home.
Another popular Christmas plant is the poinsettia. Native to Mexico, the poinsettia has become a symbol of the holidays in North America. Legend has it that early priests in Mexico used poinsettias in Christmas processions.
For those who prefer flowers other than poinsettias, the Christmas cactus is a festive option. Native to Brazil, this plant blooms at the perfect time for the holidays, with its colorful blooms resembling ornaments on a Christmas tree.
Holly is another popular holiday decoration, known for its vibrant red berries. The ancient Romans used holly during Saturnalia, a celebration of the winter solstice. Early Christians in Rome used holly decorations to avoid being persecuted for their religion, and the association with Christmas stuck.
Finally, mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on trees. It has small leathery leaves and white berries. Tradition holds that kissing under the mistletoe increases a person’s chance of getting married in the coming year. This belief likely dates back to the old pagan belief that mistletoe represents fertility.
Holiday Plants from Around the World
In different parts of the world, other plants hold special significance during the winter holidays.
Kwanzaa: People who celebrate Kwanzaa in the U.S. use corn as one of the seven symbols of the holiday. Corn represents children as the future.
Mexico: In Oaxaca, Mexico, radishes are a part of Christmas festivities. The tradition dates back to the introduction of radishes by Spanish colonists. Today, residents celebrate Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23 by carving radishes into Christmas figures.
Ukraine: In Ukraine, wheat is associated with the winter holidays. Children look for the Christmas star in the evening, and when they find it, the head of the household brings out a sheaf of wheat to symbolize abundance and a good harvest.
China: An apple wrapped in paper and carved with a holiday message is a common gift on Christmas Eve. In Mandarin, Christmas Eve is called Night of Peace, and the Mandarin phrase sounds similar to the word for apple, hence the association.
Venezuela: Christmas orchids are popular in Venezuela during the holiday season. Cattleya percivaliana, native to Venezuela, produces beautiful pink flowers during the holidays. Another Christmas orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale, native to Madagascar, has white star-shaped flowers often referred to as the star of Bethlehem.
These traditional holiday plants contribute to the season as decorations and symbols meaningful in different cultures. Try something new this year and celebrate the season with festive trees, flowers, and fruits.
