You might wonder what Christmas Trees have to do with flowers? You are right, the terminology “flowering plant” is not exactly correct when applied to cone-bearing trees such as conifers. The male cone and the unfertilized female cone are called “male flower” and “female flower” respectively. However, once fertilized the female cone is called “fruit”.

There are so many stories and legends about the first Christmas Tree, that I would not be able to fit them all in this blog. Since I am from Germany, I will give you the “German version”. May be you’ll learn something new. I also want to know your story. So, please post a comment or write an email to info@beyondblossoms.com with your Christmas Tree story.

You might have heard of Martin Luther before. He lived from 1483 to 1546 in the eastern part of Germany. He was a monk and professor of Theology at the University of Wittenberg. He did not agree with many customs and practices of the catholic church so he started the so-called Reformation and what later became the protestant church.

One night, when he was returning to his home he saw stars blinking through the tree branches of a fir. He wanted to share this beautiful sight with his family. So, he cut the tree, brought it into his home and decorated it with lit candles to resemble the blinking stars and in honor of Christ’s birth.

Christmas Trees around the world:
United States

Germany

Singapore

Africa

I wish you all Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

European Holly, or ilex aquifolium in latin, features evergreen spreading branches and shiny red berries, and is the epitome of Christmas wreaths and flower decorations for the holidays. Holly are flowering shrubs and trees from 2 to 25 meters tall. They are widely spread in Europe, Asia and the Americas. There are 400 species of flowering plants in the Ilex family.

Holly wood - not to confuse with Hollywood! - is traditionally used for chess pieces as it is hard, heavy and white, whereas the black pieces usually featured ebony. Another traditional use is against fever. However, since every part of this flowering plant is poisonous, it is no longer used for this purpose.

The cult around holly flowers is not an idea developed in modern times. We have to go back to the celtic druids again to know the true meaning of holly. Their believe was that the red berries of the holly symbolize female vital powers, while the white berries of the mistletoe, symbolize male sperm. Both species played an important role at midwinter celeberations as mythical parents who would bring new life at springtime.The druids worshipped holly, as a holy tree, thus the word “holly”.

Even the old Romans thought that holly brings joy and health. It has been popular believe that holly could banish evil powers. The custom to place holly on the chimney during Christmas time is a result of this. It is supposed to prevent evil ghosts to enter the house through the chimney.

Next week the last flower icon in our short series - the Christmas Tree!