December Birth Flower: Embracing Holly & Narcissus

December Birth Flowers

1. Celebrate December with the unique floral duo of holly and Narcissus, representing joy, protection, love & renewal.
2. Enjoy fragrant paperwhites for a delightful scent of celebration in your home.
3. Gift holly and Narcissus to convey hope, devotion & purity - perfect symbols for the festive season & new beginnings!

Celebrating December's Unique Floral Duo

Being born in December comes with the privilege of having two exceptional birth flowers - holly and Narcissus. The frequent use of these December birth flowers as Christmas decorations adds an extra layer of charm during the festive season. Holly, the delightful state tree of Delaware and the majestic national tree of the British Isles of Jersey is known for its beautiful red berries that attract wildlife during the winter months. On the other hand, white Narcissus, which typically bloom in winter, captivate with their distinct fragrance and delicate beauty.

Holly and Narcissus combined present a visually appealing and symbolic duo for December-born individuals, representing the two December birth flowers. Holly symbolizes joy and domestic bliss, while Narcissus brings hope and renewal to the mix. These two birth flowers are the perfect way to celebrate a December birth, as they capture the essence of the festive season and the promise of new beginnings.

Unveiling the Holly: An Evergreen Symbol of Protection

Holly, an evergreen shrub with vibrant dark green leaves and stunning red berries, is more than just a pretty plant. It carries a deep symbolism, representing protection, love, and renewal. Holly plants produce charming, small white or greenish-white flowers, and only female plants will produce the delightful characteristic red berries when pollinated by a nearby male plant.

Dating back to ancient times, holly has deep roots in various cultural traditions. From pagan rituals to Christian celebrations, holly has always been a symbol of hope, love, and protection. Its sharp, spiky leaves and bright red berries make it an ideal choice for December celebrations, adding color and meaning to the holiday season.

Holly in History and Myth

Holly's historical significance spans from ancient times to the present day. The Celts had a strong belief that holly possessed protective powers. During the winter solstice, they would bring it into their homes to ward off evil spirits. Holly has become a popular decorative element during Christmas celebrations. This is likely due to its evergreen nature and the bright red berries that provide a lovely contrast against the winter backdrop.

In Christian symbolism, holly's prickly leaves were seen as a reminder of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion, and the red berries symbolized his sacrifice and love. From ancient beliefs to modern-day festivities, holly has always been a symbol of hope, protection, and love, making it a fitting choice for December celebrations.

Caring for Your Holly Plant

To care for your holly plant, follow these steps:

1. Provide essential maintenance and keep in mind its importance as a food source for winter wildlife.
2. Holly plants thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
3. A holly plant typically needs about one inch of water per week to stay healthy and happy.
4. The ideal time to prune holly plants is in late winter or early spring, just as the plant begins to awaken.

It's worth noting that holly plants serve as a significant food source for winter wildlife, such as birds and small mammals. Holly berries provide sustenance for these creatures during the colder months when other food options may be limited. So, nurturing your holly plant not only beautifies your surroundings but also supports the local ecosystem.

The Narcissus Flower: A Fragrant Herald of Winter

The delicate and fragrant narcissus flower is a popular choice for December, thanks to its blooming period and symbolism. 

Narcissus, a genus that includes daffodils, is known for its elegant, slender stems that display clusters of white, star-shaped flowers and a delightful, refreshing scent. As a birth flower, Narcissus carries meanings of:

1. hope
2. devotion
3. purity
4. innocence
5. renewal

making it a fitting choice for December celebrations.

Paperwhite narcissus, a variety native to the Mediterranean region, has captivating origins that can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was cultivated for its beauty and delightful fragrance.

The sweet fragrance of paperwhites brings joy and cheer to homes during the winter months, making them a perfect addition to holiday decorations and celebrations.

The Scent of Celebration: Paperwhites in the Home

Paperwhites, a narcissus variant, frequently adorn indoor holiday decorations, contributing a sweet aroma and festive ambiance to homes. With their elegant, slender stems, star-shaped flowers, and delightful fragrance, they make a stunning addition to any room during the holiday season. 

Paperwhites typically bloom in late fall to early winter and flower quickly after planting, providing a fresh and fragrant display in no time.

The process of cultivating paperwhites indoors is straightforward and gratifying. Follow these steps:

1. Plant the bulbs in a container filled with potting soil or decorative gravel.
2. Place the container in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
3. Rotate the container for even growth.
4. Within 3 to 6 weeks, you'll be enjoying the beautiful blooms and refreshing scent of white Narcissus.

Symbolism Wrapped in Petals

Narcissus flowers are imbued with rich symbolism, embodying:

1. hope
2. devotion
3. purity
4. innocence
5. renewal

These meanings make them a fitting choice for December celebrations, as they capture the essence of the festive season and the promise of new beginnings. The captivating origins of narcissus flowers can be traced back to Greek mythology and the story of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his reflection and eventually turned into a flower. 

This tale gives the narcissus flower meanings of self-love, vanity, and rebirth, providing a powerful reminder of transformation and renewal.

With their delicate beauty and rich symbolism, narcissus flowers make a thoughtful gift for loved ones born in December. Whether used to express pure love or unconditional devotion or to convey good wishes, a bouquet of narcissus flowers is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate a December birth.

Tips for Forcing Paperwhite Bulbs Indoors

Cultivating white bulbs indoors enables the enjoyment of their blooms during winter when outdoor gardens might be inactive. By choosing the right container and timing your blooms, you can create a beautiful display of fragrant white Narcissus to brighten your home during the colder season.

Choosing the Right Container

Choosing an appropriate container to grow paperwhites hydroponically, bypassing the need for soil, is vital for their growth. Shallow glass vases or clear containers that are about 4 inches deep make wonderful choices for growing white bulbs hydroponically.

Fill the container with pea gravel, decorative gravel, glass marbles, or glass beads to provide support for the bulbs and create a unique and visually appealing display.

Timing Your Blooms

Planning the timing of your white blooms to coincide with holiday celebrations or special occasions adds a personal touch to your indoor garden. Paperwhite bulbs can be forced into bloom almost anytime, but it is especially rewarding to do it over the winter months when you can enjoy the beauty of bloom indoors.

To ensure your paperwhites blooms in time for the holiday season, start planting them around the last week of November. The flowers will stay in full bloom for about 10-14 days, filling your home with their sweet fragrance and delicate beauty.

The Language of Flowers: What Holly and Narcissus Convey

Holly and Narcissus, when presented as gifts, communicate strong sentiments, rendering them particularly significant for those born in December. Holly, with its vibrant red berries and evergreen leaves, symbolizes protection, love, and optimism for the future. 

In different cultures, holly carries additional meanings, such as peace, goodwill, and hope, adding depth to its symbolism.

Narcissus, on the other hand, symbolizes:

1. hope
2. devotion
3. purity
4. innocence
5. renewal

Its delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance make the Christmas flower a fitting choice for December celebrations, conveying messages of love, respect, and good wishes to loved ones. 

Together, holly and NarcissusNarcissus create a meaningful and visually stunning gift that captures the essence of the festive season and the promise of new beginnings.

Crafting the Perfect December Birth Flower Bouquet

Designing an eye-catching December birth flower bouquet is an excellent method to display the distinct beauty and symbolism of holly and Narcissus. To craft the perfect bouquet, follow these steps:

1. Gather a variety of holly branches and narcissus flowers.
2. Experiment with different ratios to achieve a balanced and visually appealing arrangement.
3. Trim the holly branches to your desired length, removing any excess leaves or thorns.
4. Arrange the holly branches in a circular shape to form the base of the bouquet.
5. Add the narcissus flowers evenly throughout the holly branches.
6. Secure the bouquet with floral tape or a rubber band.

To ensure your holly and narcissus bouquet stays fresh and vibrant, follow these steps:

1. Place the bouquet in a cool location away from direct sunlight and drafts.
2. Refresh the holly leaves with water misting.
3. Trim the Narcissus stems at an angle before placing them in a clean vase filled with fresh water.
4. Change the water every 2-3 days to prolong the life of your beautiful bouquet.

I'd like to point out that your December birth flower bouquet will stand out as a remarkable and significant gift, highlighting the unique attributes of holly and Narcissus.

December Birth Flowers

Holly and Narcissus make a beautiful and meaningful combination for those born in December. With their unique symbolism, vibrant colors, and festive connection, these birth flowers capture the essence of the holiday season and the promise of new beginnings. 

Whether used to create a stunning bouquet or enjoyed for their beauty, holly, and Narcissus are a delightful duo that brings warmth and cheer to December celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the paperwhite narcissus flower symbolize?

The paperwhite narcissus flower symbolizes good wishes, respect, and faithfulness, and according to floriography, it conveys that the recipient is the only one.

What are the two birth flowers for December?

December's birth flowers are the cheery, holly, and bright Narcissus, representing joy and new beginnings.

What does holly symbolize?

Holly symbolizes protection, love, and optimism, bringing hope for a better future.

How can I force white bulbs to bloom indoors?

With the right setup, white bulbs can bloom indoors in just 3-6 weeks - place them in a bright location with indirect sunlight and rotate the container for even growth.

How can I create a beautiful December birth flower bouquet using holly and Narcissus?

Create a stunning December birth flower bouquet by combining holly branches and narcissus flowers in a circular arrangement. Trim the holly branches to the desired length and arrange them in a circle to form the base of the bouquet. Add the narcissus flowers evenly throughout the holly branches, then secure the bouquet with floral tape or a rubber band for a beautiful finished product.