As the festive season unfurls its magic, our homes are adorned with the vibrant hues and fragrances of traditional Christmas flowers and plants. Beyond their aesthetic charm, these botanical companions carry rich legends and timeless tales. Join us on a journey through the stories that make these green and red heralds of the holidays truly legendary.
Poinsettias: A Gift from Mexico
The iconic Poinsettia, with its striking red bracts, traces its Christmas roots to Mexico. Legend has it that a humble child, unable to offer a gift to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, gathered weeds on the roadside. Miraculously, these weeds blossomed into the vibrant Poinsettias we cherish today. In honor of this selfless act, the plant is named after Joel Poinsett, an American diplomat who introduced it to the United States.
Holly: A Symbol of Protection
Deck the halls with boughs of holly… for this evergreen plant has deep-rooted symbolism. In ancient times, holly was believed to protect homes from evil spirits. Druids adorned themselves with holly during winter solstice festivals, considering it a symbol of everlasting life. Today, the glossy leaves and bright red berries of the holly plant are a staple in our Christmas bouquets and other decorations, symbolizing hope and protection.
Mistletoe: A Symbol of Love and Rebirth
Hang the mistletoe and let the Christmas kisses commence! In Norse mythology, mistletoe is associated with the goddess of love, Frigg. Legend has it that she kissed anyone who passed beneath it. Over time, this tradition evolved into the modern-day custom of exchanging kisses under the mistletoe during the holiday season. Mistletoe is also seen as a symbol of rebirth and fertility. Mistletoe can be problematic to other plants, pets and humans if ingested. For traditions sake, we do carry a limited supply in store during the holidays and we suggest caution in use and disposal.
Paperwhites: A Sign of Enduring Grace
Amidst the winter hush, a charming legend whispers through the snowy landscapes…the tale of the Paperwhite. In this festive narrative, the Paperwhite inherits its origins from the myth of Narcissus, the youth enchanted by his own reflection. As the legend unfolds, Narcissus, having transformed into a flower upon his passing, gifted us with the delicate Paperwhite—a symbol of rebirth and the eternal dance of life. These pristine blooms, with their snowy white petals and captivating fragrance, blossom in our homes during the holiday season, weaving a touch of mythic beauty into our Christmas festivities. The Paperwhite, with its timeless allure, reminds us that even in the tranquil winter moments, nature tells stories of renewal and enduring grace. Find raw bulbs for planting in store now or order from our Houseplants Collection.
Amaryllis: Reminiscent of Love
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, the Amaryllis carries rich symbolism and tradition in Christmas celebrations. Known for its striking red hues, it symbolizes love and passion, resonating perfectly with the spirit of giving and joy during this season. Originating from Greek mythology, Amaryllis was named after a love-stricken maiden, and its vibrant blooms are said to represent her pride and determination. In many cultures, gifting or displaying Amaryllis bulbs during Christmas has become a cherished tradition, symbolizing beauty, resilience, and the anticipation of new beginnings. As these magnificent flowers unfurl in all their glory, they signify the endurance of love and the magic of the holiday season. Find Amaryllis in our gift shop now, pre-potted or in bulb form for gift giving.
Tabletop Trees: A Timeless Tradition
Nestled in the holiday decor landscape, the boxwood tabletop tree stands as a miniature symbol of festive enchantment. Steeped in tradition and rich symbolism, these petite evergreens hold a special place in our Christmas celebrations. With origins rooted in ancient times, boxwood for example, has been associated with strength, resilience, and everlasting life—a fitting emblem for the season of hope and renewal. Crafting these tabletop trees allows us to bring the outdoors inside, creating a charming reminder of nature’s enduring beauty during the winter chill. The tabletop tree, a modest yet powerful presence, whispers tales of continuity and the unwavering spirit of Christmas. While supplies last, we seasonally offer our Holiday Traditions in boxwood, and the evergreen option with Deck The Halls. These tabletop trees are perfect for gifts, small spaces, and accent decor.
Studley’s Holiday Shop
Studley’s is a local tradition for Christmas flowers and plants. Whether you want to shop in store for home holiday decor, or you want to have a bouquet, wreath, or centerpiece to your home, place of business, loved ones or as a corporate and client gift, we are happy to oblige with our own exclusive designs. Delivery is available local and nationwide. Visit our Holiday Shop for more inspiration.
My Pro Tip:
When we adorn our homes with traditional Christmas flowers and plants at the holidays, we are not only embracing the artistry of the season, but we also pay homage to the timeless significance of natural florals and greenery in our festive traditions. As we weave these legends into our holiday celebrations this year, let the traditional flowers and Christmas plants become more than mere decorations—let them become storytellers and memory makers, carrying the magic of centuries into our homes. May these botanical legends infuse your festivities with the spirit of love, protection, and the timeless wonder of Christmas.
See you at Studley’s!
