The last month of the year, December, is spent in reflection, celebration and promise of a new beginning. The December birth flowers are a perfect fit to this spirit, combining the tradition of the festivities and the promise of the new energy. Although the month is usually linked with the traditional holiday flower, the poinsettia, the traditional birth flowers are the narcissus (particularly the Paperwhite type) and the holly. All these plants combine to form the exclusive charm and beauty of the season.
Narcissus and holly are the two main birth flowers that differ in their appearance and meaning. Holly cheerfully and bravely comes with his green leaves and bright berries. The narcissus, on the contrary, is a fragile lure, frequently associated with the promise of renewal, hope and light in the coldest season of the year.
The Primary Flower: Narcissus (Paperwhite)
One of the official December birth flowers is the narcissus, especially the fragrant and delicate Paperwhite. It is a flower that can bloom during winter and hence it is a source of warmth and hope during the cold seasons.
Symbolism and Meaning
The narcissus is a flower that has a rich history and has diverse symbolism.
- Hope and renewal: The narcissus is a spring flower, one of the first to open, even pushing through the snow, and therefore a sign of spring, new life, and a new beginning. This makes it an ideal symbol of the month of December, as it is the close of one year and hope of the next.
- Purity and simplicity: The Paperwhite narcissus with its white, delicate and star-shaped flowers are commonly linked with purity, innocence and simplicity.
- Good wishes and respect: It is also a sign of faithfulness, good wishes and respect. Giving narcissus may be used to portray the feeling of desiring your beloved to be just as they are.
- Vanity and self-improvement: The mythology of the Greek hunter called Narcissus, became so preoccupied with his own image that he drowned, and the flower is believed to have grown out of the ground where his body was found. Although this connects it to the concept of vanity and egotism, it is commonly considered in modern settings as the personal growth and change.
Characteristics and Growing Tips
The Paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) is a decorative indoor flower that is valued because of its fragrance, rich and heavy, and sometimes even divisive, the fragrance of the flower is compared to a combination of jasmine and hyacinth.
- Easy Indoor growing: Indoors, Paperwhites are considered to be some of the simplest to cultivate to blossom indoors during winter since they do not demand being chilled first. They normally flower after three to six weeks of planting.
- Planting:
- In soil: One can plant the bulbs in pots filled with well-draining and moist soil, only leaving the very tip of the bulb exposed.
- In water/gravel (Hydroponically): This is a common Chinese tradition, whereby the bulbs are put in a waterproof container on top of a bed of washed gravel, marble chips, or stones. Add just enough water to be almost, but not quite, in contact with the bottom of the bulbs so that they do not rot.
- Care:
- Light and temperature: Light and Temperature: Stocky growth requires bright and indirect light in a cool room (around 50-60°F). Excess of warmth or insufficient illumination may result in the flopping or leggy of the stems.
- Support: Sometimes their stems are so weak that they should be staked to ensure that they do not bend.
- The Alcohol Trick: To ensure the plants do not tip over, one may water them with a solution of 4-6% distilled alcohol (e.g. 1 part 40% hard liquor to 7 parts water) once the shoots are approximately 2 inches high.
Tip: Paperwhites do not usually bloom again after they have finished their indoor flowering and the bulbs are typically disposed of. Everything in the paperwhite is toxic.
Gift Ideas and Occasions
Narcissis, particularly the paperwhite is an all-purpose and significant present that perfectly matches the December birthdays and the Christmas season.
- Potted bulbs/arrangements: To give a gift of a decorative bowl or vase with Paperwhite bulbs being forced (or growing) would enable the receiver to see the growth and look forward to the fragrant flower, a symbol of hope and a new beginning.
- Cut flowers: Adding the elegant white flowers to a birthday bouquet in December will send a message of innocence, good wishes, and honor.
- Wrapping gift/art prints: Narcissus can be used as a personalized gift such as birth flower necklaces, charm types of bracelets and wall art which is artfully painted in color, giving a lasting, symbolic reminder of the birth month.
- Home decor: Artificial Paperwhite stems, fabricated out of such materials as felt or faux silk, may offer a permanent and low-maintenance and hypoallergenic showcase of the silent beauty of the flower.
The Secondary Flowers: Holly & Poinsettia
December is special as it has two birth flowers that are recognized and celebrated officially, these are the narcissus and holly plants. However, the poinsettia, though not a classical birth flower, has become so culturally associated with the month of December and the holidays as a whole that it is sometimes regarded as a third flower of the month.
Holly: Ancient Symbol of Protection
The holly (Ilex aquifolium) with its shiny green leaves and bright red fruit, is a typical representation of the month of December. It is a perennial plant that is resilient, and it grows well even during severe winter conditions.
- Early symbolism: In pre-Christian Europe, especially among the Celtic Druids, holly was held sacred and was believed to confer immortality and protection, and was believed to keep off evil spirits and to bring luck. Romans applied it in the Saturnalia festival.
- Christian symbolism: The plant was given a religious meaning in the Christian tradition. The sharp leaves are claimed to be the crown of thorns that Jesus wore and the red berries that are bright red symbolize the drops of his blood which is a sign of sacrifice and hope.
- Contemporary interpretation: Holly is the symbol of protection, happiness, hope, peace, good luck and strength. To those born in December, it indicates a daring, lasting and celebratory personality.
Poinsettia: The Christmas Star
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is not a conventional birth flower such as holly and narcissus, but it has turned out to be the most popular decorative flower that is linked to the Christmas season. In Mexico, it is called La Flor de Nochebuena, or the Christmas Eve Flower or Flower of the Holy Night.
- Symbolism: According to the contemporary culture, the poinsettia signifies goodwill, communal spirit, prosperity, and Christmas joy. The red ones are a representation of love and passion.
- Religious meaning: It is also connected with Christmas because of a Mexican legend according to which a poor child, who offered weeds to the altar, miraculously changed them into bright red poinsettias. Its colored leaves (bracts) are star-shaped, and it is thought that this was intended to represent the Star of Bethlehem. The red bracts also have been said to symbolize the blood of Christ and the white ones symbolize purity.
Gift Ideas for Secondary Flowers
Holly and poinsettia are both the ideal gifts that suit the spirit of the festive season of December.
- Holly Gifts: The act of giving holly implies a serious message of good will, guardianship and hope of domestic happiness. It can be given as:
- Wreaths or garlands: The traditional application of holly in decor reflects the essence of celebration and tradition.
- Potted Plants: A potted holly is an emblem of power and perseverance that can be relished throughout the year in favorable weather.
- Flower arrangements: The berries of holly are bright red and sprigs of the holly are added to any bouquet of flowers in a birthday in December to make it seasonal and protective.
- Poinsettia gifts: Poinsettias are the best to use in order to show Christmas cheer and goodwill.
- Potted plants: A traditional present, usually in red, white or marbled, to add some color and cheer to the house in winter.
- Cut poinsettias: Cut stems may be incorporated into special DIY projects, such as decorative nut towers or fancy centerpieces, to bring a burst of festivity to holiday decor.
Creating December Birth Flower Arrangements
The fresh and artificial flowers in December are a great chance to combine personal celebration with the holiday decor.
Traditional Bouquet Ideas
- The Hope and cheer blend: Mix the innocence and optimism of white narcissus (paperwhites) with the strong, guarding cheer of holly sprigs. This contrasting of the delicate beauty of the flower and the vividness of the red and green of the berries and leaves.
- Renewal and Resilience: A bunch of narcissus in white or golden color, with evergreen leaves, is a symbol of new life and the ability to survive the winter.
- Festive Centerpiece: Combine cut narcissus, holly and, to add a little more holiday cheer, cut stems of poinsettia (soaked in hot/cold water to extend life). This mixture forms a focal point of peace, goodwill and promise of renewal.
Modern Display Concepts
- Minimalist paperwhite display: To have a contemporary look, force Paperwhite bulbs in plain glass vases or bowls with white stones or marbles. This is a clean exhibition of the fragile white flowers and the symbolism of clarity and purity.
- Narcissus-holly unity: A wooden tray tableau with a bunch of potted paperwhites and holly sprigs with cones and moss is a combination that is both beautiful and harmonious, and indicates the twin symbolism of the month.
- Positivity and ambition: Arrangements with big, bright and unique Poinsettia types (such as marbled or Jingle Bells) in smooth and modern vessels can symbolize ambition and the power of success that the flower symbolizes.
Year-Round Gifting Options
Due to the short season of fresh narcissus and holly or the fact that they are better as temporary cuttings, some people resort to year round gifts, which use their symbolism.
- Jewelry: Necklaces, rings, charm bracelets with a motif of a birth flower, the narcissus or holly, will be a constant reminder of the month of the year the recipient was born and what it signifies in terms of hope and protection.
- Customized ornaments: Laser cut wooden monograms or glass suncatchers with the narcissus flower pattern are valuable and enduring ornaments to the home.
- Art and Prints: The December birth flowers are frequently presented as a relaxing and beautiful work of nature in the form of watercolor prints to decorate the home.
Artificial Alternatives to December’s Blooms
Artificial substitutes are a great option for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and symbolism of the flowers of December all year round, or in conditions where live plants fail to thrive.
- Durability and longevity: Artificial flowers of high quality, such as silk, latex and UV-treated synthetics, have a natural look and are also advantageous in the fact that they last long and require minimal maintenance. They will never fade or wither like fresh flowers so that the symbolic meaning of the flowers will always be the same.
- Availability: Artificial narcissus, holly, and poinsettia are available all the time, which is important to event planners, interior designers, or those seeking a sure birthday gift all the year round.
- Allergy-friendly: Since artificial indoor plants do not contain pollen, they are a safe and welcome alternative to all people, including the ones with allergies.
- Interior design: The soft, light airiness of the flower may be reproduced with artificial paperwhite stems of narcissus, which are to be used in offices, reception rooms, or living rooms to create a peaceful and elegant effect. The loud colors of the holiday season can be provided by faux holly sprigs and poinsettias, without the care of the fresh plants.
FAQs
Why are there three December birth flowers?
Although the traditionally accepted birth flowers of December are the holly and the narcissus (Paperwhite type), one more flower, the poinsettia, has become so culturally significant. The history of holly and narcissus dates back to the world of floriography and ancient customs, and is a combination of both symbolism of strength and rebirth. The poinsettia, however, is a native Mexican plant, the natural blooming period of which and its Christian associations, as the Star of Bethlehem, made it a universal symbol of Christmas and by extension of the month of December.
What is the main December birth flower?
December is special in that it is the month of two equally recognized, official birth flowers, the holly and the narcissus. No single flower can be singled out as the main one, but they make an ideal couple. The holly is a symbol of the celebratory, lasting, and protective qualities of the season, whereas the narcissus, in particular the Paperwhite is a symbol of innocence, renewal, and optimism, and is widely regarded as the most favored flower to bring as a present at a December birthday.
Conclusion
December is the month that the beautiful narcissus, the robust holly and the jubilant poinsettia were born in. The Paperwhite narcissus is a carrier of the good news of hope and renewal and the holly is a symbol of strength and protection and so these flowers are a treasure trove of meaning to celebrate December birthdays and the sacred winter holidays. Are you willing to learn about the symbolism of other flowers? Here is our guide to various birth flowers for every month and their symbolism.
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