December birth flowers

Although not many flowers grow in winter, certain plants can still be called the flowers of ones born in December. Many people know the bouquet has more meaning and symbolism for the birthday child. We recommend studying our article if you wonder what plants should be presented to people born in the first month of winter.

What flowers symbolise December

Florists have identified two central flowers that represent December. They include the following:

• Narcissus. This flower is known to many people. It blooms with incredible white flowers. The plant has a recognisable shape of the buds: the perianth has six petals (lobes), and in the centre, there is a yellow outgrowth in the form of a bowl, saucer or so-called crown. Commonly, the daffodil blossoms before the upcoming Christmas holidays. It is a symbol of unconditional love and purity.

• The Holly (also often called holly leaf or halibut). The plant is best known as an evergreen shrub that grows red berries. The latter appear during the growing season. Branches of Holly with berries are often used during the composition of holiday decorations (wreaths and other arrangements). Also, they can be found in bouquets in the wintertime.

Each of the above flowers has its history and symbolism, which you will find below.

Narcissus

The Narcissus (daffodil) is a flower on an upright, straight stem with beautiful white flowers that exude a strong fragrance. The plants presented are some of the oldest and quite common worldwide. The bulbs of this plant are considered the most popular among the grown flowers. Since the Narcissus can bloom at the beginning and middle of winter, it is sometimes associated with the Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar. In addition, the strong fragrance of the buds has allowed them to be used in perfumery. But it would be best if you kept in mind that the white petals of the daffodil are poisonous, and the most toxic is the bulb of the flower.

What the Narcissus means

White flowers are a symbol of fidelity, purity and respect. The daffodil also has negative associations, particularly self-centeredness. In the Victorian era, a bouquet of daffodils conveyed the following message: "You are the one/only one for me." The flower was used to demonstrate pure and unconditional love.

In a modern interpretation, the December flower represents purity, simplicity and sweetness. They also often represent fidelity and respect. Depending on the culture and sides of the world, the flower's meaning and symbolism are different. For example, in China, these flowers symbolise wealth and prosperity. While in Victorian culture, they mean the possibility of change and self-centeredness.

Of great importance is the colour of the Narcissus. The petals are often white or yellow, but you can also see pink or orange varieties. Each shade has its meaning:

• White Narcissus. It denotes purity and innocence, as do a variety of other plants in this shade. The featured flower would be great for a family member or relative. Also, white daffodils can be presented in honour of the birth of a baby.

• Yellow. A bright and intense flower that evokes joy and happiness like the sun. The presented flower is a symbol of positive emotions. Yellow daffodils can be given to a loved one, a friend, or someone important in your life.

• Orange. This shade of daffodil is a symbol of friendly relationships and positivity. You can give it to a friend to tell them how much you appreciate them; you can also use it to wish them good luck in business. Orange is associated with positivity, so you can give these daffodils to people making a big step in their personal lives or careers (getting a new job, promotion, marriage, moving to a loved one or a new home).

It is not necessary to give single-coloured bouquets of daffodils. You can also present floral compositions of flowers of several shades.

Interesting facts about the daffodil

"Daffodil" comes from a Greek word that translates as "drug". But in mythology, the name is associated with a particular character. There is a story in Greek mythology that the flower got its name from Narcissus, the son of the river god Kefis and the nymph Liriona. Their son was so fixated on himself and his appearance that he fell in love with his reflection, which he saw in the water. At the end of the myth, he drowned, and white flowers with a yellow core grew in that spot.

Because of this myth, the daffodil, as a flower, often evokes negative associations. In one case, this plant can indicate that a person is too self-centred and selfish. But at the same time, it symbolises change, of improving oneself in later life.

Holly

Holly is a member of the Holly family. More than 400 species of this shrub now exist, including trees that can grow more than 50 feet tall. The main distinction of this plant is its glossy green leaves, which have serrated edges or prickly prongs at the tips. The Holly is a rare plant that can be found outdoors during the cold season with brightly coloured fruit. The introduced shrub comes from China, North America, Europe, Japan and North Africa.

What the Holly symbolises

The Holly is a symbol of wishing for domestic happiness. It is excellent for creating a festive mood in someone lucky enough to be born in the first month of winter. Various cultures used the presented shrub from ancient times to protect against evil spirits. But the branches had a practical use - as a cane.

Halibut shows a person his admiration for inner and outer beauty. It also lets you express your wishes for future success in the initiated affairs.

Interesting facts about Holly

The Holly is a bipedal plant. In other words, bushes are divided into males and females. The "Female" bush is quite simple to distinguish - it has red berries. If there are no berries on the bush, it is either a male or an isolated female. For cross-pollination to occur in these plants and for berries to appear on the branches, male and female bushes must be planted side by side.