Archive for December 2016 | Monthly archive page

Christmas

Christmas wreaths are a tradition found all over the world, decorating front doors and the table centerpiece.

Throughout history, wreaths have been used in ceremonial events often being associated with strength and endurance. In ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths were used to distinguish a person of rank or status, being used as crowns in the Olympic Games.

In Eastern Europe, evergreen wreaths were lit up through cold winters to speed up the arrival of Spring and the sunshine and warmth it brings.

In Christian tradition, wreaths are used in the four-week lead up to Christmas, with the wreaths being adorned with 4 candles, each one lit as a week towards Christmas went by.

Today, the tradition of Christmas wreaths have carried through, but they are much more of a modern arrangement. Now, a dominant feature is the evergreen – a symbol of eternal life. Prickly holly is also seen regularly in wreaths. Some wreaths are decorated with boxwood, berries, pine cones and nuts, while others use eucalyptus and eucalyptus pods for their scent.

Visit our website: https://richmondflorist.com.au/ Or our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melbourneflorist/ And come visit our wonderful florists instore!

Get creative with the foliage and flowers in your wreath this Christmas!

Poinsettia

The flower for December is the Poinsettia. The bright petals are actually leaves, while the flowers themselves are very small and yellow. Traditionally, this flower is red, but they also come in cream, yellow, pink and peach.

The Poinsettia is appropriate for the month of December as it is also known as the Christmas Star and the Christmas Flower. It is a vibrant red and green plant that originates in Mexico and Central America. Other names for the Poinsettia include Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena, Star Flower and the Atakurk’s Flower.

Considered by the ancient Aztecs as a symbol of purity and wisdom, it was used as a dye and for medicinal reasons. Now the Poinsettia’s red, white or pink colours symbolize good cheer, success and bring wishes of celebration – a fitting flower for the celebratory season of December.

Here in Australia, the Poinsettia is the traditional Christmas flower and has also come to be the birth symbol for Christmas babies. It is the perfect flower to send to spread birthday wishes, good cheer and future success.

Other symbols of the Poinsettia flower are joy, love, hope, purity, holiness and motherhood.

All over the world, the Poinsettia can be seen throughout decorations over the month of December.  It features as table centerpieces, in Christmas wreaths or as a potted plant. It is a bright and recognizable plant to bring in the month of December!

Have a look at our website: https://richmondflorist.com.au/ Or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melbourneflorist/ And come visit us to see what flowers might be featured on you table or in your wreath this season!