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What Are The December Birth Month Flowers?

Narcissus and Holly: Winter's dynamic duo, adding elegance and festive charm.

By: THURSD. | 29-11-2023 | 9 min read
Floral Education Flowers
December Birth Month Flower

December is a month of snowy scenes, twinkling lights, and festivities. It conjures up images of snow-clad landscapes, cozy firesides, and celebrations. As the year draws to a close, two botanical wonders bloom: Narcissus and Holly. They defy the frosty conditions and offer a blend of beauty, resilience, tradition, and the warmth of joy.

The December Birth Month Flower Duo: Narcissus Paperwhite And Holly

For those lucky to be born in December, they are represented by two contrasting yet complementary blooms. Narcissus, a.k.a. daffodil, is the first symbol of hope, with a sweet fragrance and trumpet-like structure. Holly, on the other hand, evokes a sense of tradition with its red berries and glossy green leaves. Together, they signify transition and balance, providing a perfect floral representation for those born in December - a blend of grace, tenacity, and hope.

 

lady with white narcissus flower
Narcissus Paperwhite by @bloomandseeds.se

 

The Historical & Cultural Significance of Narcissus and Holly

Narcissus and holly are December month flowers that represent transformation, protection, hope, and celebration. Narcissus has its roots in Greek mythology and is revered as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.

Holly has been celebrated for centuries and is a symbol of hope and continuous life. These flowers are a bridge to ancient stories and beliefs, reminding us of nature's gifts in the coldest months.

The Beauty of December Birth Month Flower #1: Narcissus

Scientifically known as Narcissus Pseudonarcissus, the daffodil blooms in winter, embodying the spirit of those born in December: resilient, graceful, and bright. This flower represents their indomitable spirit and radiant personality, standing strong and finding a reflection of themselves in this elegant bloom.

Symbolic Meaning of Narcissus

Narcissus is a flower rich in symbolism, representing new beginnings and hope. It teaches us about self-awareness and self-appreciation, making it relevant for those born in December who stand on the threshold of a new year filled with aspirations.

 

Narcissus Paperwhite by Robbie Caponetto
Narcissus Paperwhite at Southernliving.com. Photo by Robbie Caponetto, styling by Hargett Miller.

 

Color Symbolism of Narcissus

Though the December skies may often be gray, narcissus lights up the scene with shades that resonate with the moods of winter.

Each color carries a tale:

Fun, Historical, and Interesting Facts About Narcissus

Narcissus boasts a vibrant history, symbolizing self-love, renewal, and hope.

The Charm of December Flower of the Month #2: Holly

In winter, holly shines with evergreen leaves and radiant berries. It's paired with narcissus as December's birth flower, symbolizing strength and resilience. Scientifically known as Ilex Aquifolium, holly adorns homes and gardens, representing the enduring spirit of December-born souls.

 

December Holly flower
Ilex Verticillata, a.k.a. the winterberry, is also a type of holly. Photo by @thecolvinco.it

 

The Symbolism Behind the Holly

Holly is historically linked to festivities and is seen as a protector. Its sharp edges ward off unwanted spirits. Holly symbolizes rebirth and renewal in Celtic traditions and drives away evil spirits during the Yuletide season in pagan culture.

Holly's sharp leaves represent Christ's crown of thorns, and its red berries symbolize sacrifice and salvation. People born in December are often represented by holly, known for their resilience and ability to bring warmth and light to others.

Color Symbolism of Holly

Holly, with its rich palette, offers more than just green leaves and red berries:

 

Holly berry in hands
A bunch of holly by @louisegrenadine

 

Fun, Historical, and Interesting Facts About Holly

Holly, the iconic December month flower, holds deep historical and festive significance, embodying the radiant energy and unwavering strength of December-born individuals.

The Artistic Expression of December Birth Month Flower Tattoos

A December's chill breathes life into the festive season, and many choose to wear their birth month flowers with pride and artistry, not just in vases but as inked masterpieces on their skin. Tattoos, a timeless form of self-expression, find a harmonious blend with the December birth month flower symbols, providing a profound connection to one's roots, identity, and the stories they wish to tell.

 

Holly flower tattos
Picture by @atman.tattoo

 

Celebrating December Through Body Art

Tattoos are a form of self-expression. They pay homage to important moments, memories, or milestones in one's life. Inking the December birth month flower showcases a deeper bond with nature's cycles and the enduring spirit of winter. narcissus is a beautiful choice for a delicate tattoo, while holly can be stylized into a dramatic piece.

Personalization and Meaning Behind December Flower Tattoo

Every tattoo tells a tale, and when it comes to the flower for December-born individuals, the narratives are as diverse as they are heartfelt.

Beyond their aesthetics, tattoos represent identity, journey, and month, telling a significant story.

 

narcissus flower tattoos
Picture by @yeowool_tattooer

 

Embracing the Beauty of the December Flower in Everyday Life

December is a month of introspection, celebration, and anticipation. As the year draws to a close, the world outside might seem barren, with landscapes painted in chilly hues of gray and brown.

Such tenacity and beauty need not be limited to gardens or wild meadows; they can find a home in our daily lives, gracing our spaces and moments with their allure.

Integrating The December Birth Flower Into Your Life

December, with its enchanting narcissus and robust holly, offers myriad ways to weave these flowers into our daily tapestry:

By embracing these flowers, we touch a tradition celebrating year-end promises and new beginnings.

 

Narcissus Paperwhite by flowertothepeopleig
Narcissus Paperwhite by @flowertothepeopleig

 

Integrating The December Birth Flower Into Your Professional Setting

In the rhythm of everyday work life, subtle gestures like introducing the December birth month flower, narcissus, and holly, can uplift professional spaces. Here's how:

Frequently Asked Questions About December's Birth Flower

The allure of flowers, especially those representing birth months, has always been a topic of interest for floral enthusiasts. Let's dive into some commonly asked queries about these December month flowers.

What Are the December Birth Month Flowers?

December boasts not one but two flowers to represent its wintry charm. The first is the narcissus, also known as Paperwhite, which captures the essence of rebirth and the promise of forthcoming spring; Holly, with its iconic red berries, is synonymous with festive cheer and the protective nature of wintertime evergreens.

Why Are There Two Birth Flowers for December?

Flowers hold symbolic meaning across cultures, with each month having its own regional flower. December has two flowers, representing diverse traditions and celebrations. They embody December's balance of reflection and celebration, from quiet snowfalls to jingle bells, and promise of new beginnings to the spirit of the festive season.

Sources and References

  1. Ward, B.J., 1999. A Contemplation upon Flowers: Garden Plants in Myth and Literature. Timber Press.
  2. Penglase, C., 1994. Greek Myths and Mesopotamia: Parallels and Influence in the Homeric Hymns and Hesiod. Poutledge.
  3. Thiselton-Dyer, T.F., 1889. The Folklore of Plants. Chatto and Windus.
  4. Rossetti, D.G., 2021. The Day Dream (1880) by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Edward Burne-Jones on Nature: Physical and Metaphysical Realms, p.244.
  5. Holly - Species and Range. Wikipedia (or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly)
  6. Lee, D.W., (2002). Color Symbolism in Plants and Flowers, Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 53, Issue 372.
  7. Santino, Jack, (1986). The Holly and the Ivy: History, Mystery, and Meaning, Journal of Popular Culture, Vol.20, Issue 4.
  8. Hipp, A.L., 2009. Holly in History, Culture and Landscape, Horticultural Reviews, Vol.35.
  9. Kuwahara, M., 2005. Tattoo: An Anthropology.
  10. Scoble, G. and Field, A., 1998. The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language & Lore.
  11. Folkard, R., 1884. Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics.

 

Header image by @_.flowerpark._ and feature image by Southern Living.

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