WASHINGTON, D.C. — The festive season extends far beyond December 25th, encompassing the rich, 12-day period culminating in Epiphany on January 6th, offering florists unique opportunities to integrate history and tradition into modern holiday design, according to experts in botanical history and the floral industry. This extended observance, traditionally marking the journey of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem, relies heavily on symbolic flora that bridge pre-Christian winter solstice rituals with contemporary religious and cultural practices worldwide.
Professional florists report sustained demand for traditional and culturally specific arrangements throughout this timeframe, emphasizing classic evergreens like holly, ivy, and mistletoe, alongside the globally popular poinsettia.
Enduring Symbolism of Winter Greens
The enduring power of Christmas greenery lies in its inherent symbolism of life during winter’s darkest days. Holly (Ilex aquifolium and I. opaca), with its dark glossy leaves and vibrant red berries, carries deep historical weight. Christian tradition interprets the prickly leaves as Christ’s crown of thorns and the berries as drops of blood, a symbolism so strong that Romans, centuries earlier, exchanged holly wreaths during Saturnalia as tokens of good fortune. Florists prioritize firm, bright berries and manage the challenge of hydration to prevent leaf drop, ensuring arrangements remain fresh through the season.
Ivy, the perennial clinging vine, represents fidelity, eternity, and constancy. Historically designated the “female plant” to holly’s “male,” ivy’s inclusion was a medieval tradition woven into household power dynamics. Its trailing nature makes it essential for adding flow and texture to garlands and wreaths, an invaluable asset for creating elaborate holiday settings.
Perhaps the most culturally complex green is mistletoe. Sacred to the Druids and connected to Norse mythology and the goddess of love, Frigg, its modern association with kissing emerged in 18th-century England. Florists specializing in high-end arrangements prize wild-harvested mistletoe, despite the necessity of handling it carefully due to its poisonous white berries.
Poinsettia’s Journey from Aztec Dye to Global Icon
While evergreens tie Christmas to ancient European customs, the ubiquitous Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) anchors the season to the traditions of Mexico and Central America. Known to the Aztecs as cuetlaxochitl, or “mortal flower,” its brilliant red bracts were used for dye long before Franciscan monks adopted the plant in the 17th century, renaming it Flor de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve Flower).
The plant arrived in the United States via botanist and first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, in the 1820s. However, the poinsettia’s global success is largely credited to the Ecke family of California. Starting in the early 20th century, the Eckes revolutionized cultivation by developing robust, bushy varieties and executing a brilliant marketing strategy that ensured the plant became a television holiday fixture, establishing it as the hallmark of American Christmas décor.
For the floral industry, poinsettia care remains paramount. Growers must manage a strict regimen of 12 hours of complete darkness daily for weeks leading up to the holiday to ensure the bracts display their vibrant color. Furthermore, the plant is extremely sensitive to cold; industry guidelines stress that even brief exposure to temperatures below 50°F during transport can cause irreversible damage.
Designing Through Epiphany and Beyond
The 12 days present distinct commercial opportunities. While the early days (December 25-28) focus on family gatherings and general festivities, the final days culminate in the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th.
This day—known as Día de los Reyes in Spanish-speaking countries—is traditionally the time for major gift-giving. Florists serving these communities focus on opulent arrangements incorporating gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolism through rich colors like deep red, purple, and metallic accents, signifying the arrival and gifts of the Wise Men.
Additionally, understanding regional customs is key:
- United Kingdom: Strong demand for traditional wreaths and garlands featuring the quintessential holly, ivy, and mistletoe.
- Mexico: Massed poinsettia displays for churches, public spaces, and traditional Las Posadas processions.
- Germany: Focus on Advent wreaths and white arrangements for Silvester (New Year’s Eve), symbolizing good fortune.
To maximize freshness through the extended season, florists recommend that consumers ensure plants, especially the temperamental holly, are well-hydrated and kept away from heat sources. By honoring both the nearly forgotten extended celebration and the diverse traditions spanning centuries, the floral industry continues to serve as an interpreter of this rich botanical tapestry.