This is a history of holiday plants and why they were used originally. We often forget the tradition of certain holiday plants; they have origins, and it is worth exploring why we kiss under mistletoe or why poinsettias are so common around Christmastime.
Poinsettias
Also known as the Christmas star or Christmas flower, the Poinsettia was first brought to the United States by the first Mexico Ambassador, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett in the 1820’s, though it did not get its name until 1936. Before then, it was known as the “painted leaf” or “Mexican Fire plant”. The history of the Poinsettia at Christmas time dates to an old Mexican legend involving a poor boy that could not afford flowers for the church manger. According to the story, an angel appeared and told the boy to pick some weeds from the side of the road. When the boy placed the weeds in the manger they turned bright red, and the “Flower of Christmas Eve” was born.
Burning the Yule log
The Yule log is a large log or tree trunk that is burned in a fireplace to symbolize the return of longer days after the winter solstice. Holly is also a symbol of the winter solstice. The tradition is believed to have Germanic or Scandinavian origins and was adopted by Christianity. The Yule log ceremony often involved singing and merriment, and the ashes were kept as a token of good fortune.
Amaryllis
The name Amaryllis comes from Greek mythology and means “to sparkle”. While they are available year-round, the Amaryllis has close ties to Christmas and the holidays due to its ability to be grown indoors with little maintenance or effort.
Mistletoe
The Mistletoe that is commonly used around the holidays is native to North America. The North American variety is the green plant with red berries we most commonly see today. The ‘kissing plant’ has a history steeped in life and fertility. During the eighteenth century, the English created a kissing ball, which was Mistletoe trimmed with ribbons and ornaments. A young lady standing under the ball could not be refused a kiss.
