12th December 2016
Dec. 12th, 2016 12:01 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
silvs_advent_dwSeveral plants are associated with Christmas - here is some information about them.
Mistletoe and more
Mistletoe
Mistletoe has been part of Britain's winter traditions for centuries: the Druids considered it sacred and used to harvest it with a golden sickle. Today, it's more often used to decorate the home and - of course - provide an excuse for stolen kisses.
Holly
With its bright red berries and green leaves, few plants look as festive as holly. LIke mistletoe, it has been associated with winter celebrations since before Christianity, and is found in wreaths, pictured on cards and on top of Christmas puddings.
Ivy
Ivy has been used to decorate homes and churches, alongside holly, since at least the 15th and 16th centries: in early carols, it was often used to symbolise females and their values, in opposition to the more masculine holly. The words of the famous Christmas carol "The Holly and the Ivy" were first published in 1710.
Poinsettia
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, poinsettias are a popular plant to have on display in the Christmas period due to their festive colours.
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger)
Confusingly not a rose at all but a hellebore, the Christmas rose has many legends attached to it. Some say it first sprang from the tears of a young shepherd girl who had no gift to give the Christ child in Bethlehem.
New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa)
This beautiful tree owes its name to its masses of red flowers, which are at their peak in December.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
Several cacti belonging to the Schlumbergera family are known as Christmas cacti, due to the colourful flowers they produce during the holiday season.
Christmas trees
The Christmas tree is a relative modern addition to the British Christmas: the practice of decorating a festive tree originated in Germany, and became popular elsewhere in the 19th century. Queen Victoria and her German husband Albert's enthusiastic adoption of the custom may have set an example for other families.
Western Australian Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda)
This parasitic plant lives on trees, and produces such vibrant orange flowers in December it is known in Western Australia as the "Christmas tree".
Christmas bells (Sandersonia)
Several plants have the nickame "Christmas bells", including this South African plant with pretty orange or yellow flowers.
Information and picture credits at the Telegraph website
Mistletoe and more
Mistletoe
Mistletoe has been part of Britain's winter traditions for centuries: the Druids considered it sacred and used to harvest it with a golden sickle. Today, it's more often used to decorate the home and - of course - provide an excuse for stolen kisses.
Holly
With its bright red berries and green leaves, few plants look as festive as holly. LIke mistletoe, it has been associated with winter celebrations since before Christianity, and is found in wreaths, pictured on cards and on top of Christmas puddings.
Ivy
Ivy has been used to decorate homes and churches, alongside holly, since at least the 15th and 16th centries: in early carols, it was often used to symbolise females and their values, in opposition to the more masculine holly. The words of the famous Christmas carol "The Holly and the Ivy" were first published in 1710.
Poinsettia
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, poinsettias are a popular plant to have on display in the Christmas period due to their festive colours.
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger)
Confusingly not a rose at all but a hellebore, the Christmas rose has many legends attached to it. Some say it first sprang from the tears of a young shepherd girl who had no gift to give the Christ child in Bethlehem.
New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa)
This beautiful tree owes its name to its masses of red flowers, which are at their peak in December.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
Several cacti belonging to the Schlumbergera family are known as Christmas cacti, due to the colourful flowers they produce during the holiday season.
Christmas trees
The Christmas tree is a relative modern addition to the British Christmas: the practice of decorating a festive tree originated in Germany, and became popular elsewhere in the 19th century. Queen Victoria and her German husband Albert's enthusiastic adoption of the custom may have set an example for other families.
Western Australian Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda)
This parasitic plant lives on trees, and produces such vibrant orange flowers in December it is known in Western Australia as the "Christmas tree".
Christmas bells (Sandersonia)
Several plants have the nickame "Christmas bells", including this South African plant with pretty orange or yellow flowers.
Information and picture credits at the Telegraph website
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Date: 2016-12-13 10:05 pm (UTC)