WASHINGTON D.C. – While the Bible does not prescribe specific holidays or floral pairings for the Nativity of Jesus, a rich tradition has evolved over centuries, connecting botanical symbols and fragrant resins named in Scripture to the profound themes of Christ’s birth. Florists and devotional artists leverage these ancient symbols—including lilies, roses, and evergreen boughs—to communicate essential spiritual truths such as purity, hope, sacrifice, and eternal life during the holiday season.
The link between flora and the Christmas narrative is rooted in extensive biblical botanical imagery. Scripture frequently uses plants, trees, and flowers to convey fundamental spiritual concepts, setting the stage for later Christian reflection that drew direct parallels between these symbols and the meaning of the Messiah’s arrival.
Key Botanical Symbols and Their Scriptural Origins
Several plants currently associated with Christmas carry layered significance—historical, theological, and artistic—that extends far beyond mere seasonal decoration:
Lilies of Purity and Trust
Lilies are perhaps the most direct floral link to Jesus’ own teaching. In the Gospel of Matthew (6:28–29), Jesus instructs disciples to “consider the lilies of the field,” citing their natural elegance as evidence of God’s diligent provision, thereby symbolizing trust in divine care. Their connection to Christmas stems from Christian art traditions, where white lilies frequently appear in Nativity and Annunciation scenes to represent the purity, humility, and obedience of Mary, the mother of Christ.
The Rose of Messianic Hope
In prophetic texts, such as Isaiah 35:1, the rose symbolizes restoration and messianic joy, often depicting a future age when the barren world will blossom. This image of renewal led to the rose becoming a metaphor for Christ’s birth—new life entering a spiritually cold world. The common title “Rose of Sharon” (Song of Solomon 2:1) has been widely interpreted Christologically, linking the flower to sacrificial love and divine beauty.
Evergreens and Eternity
Evergreen plants, including pine, fir, and spruce, naturally convey endurance and eternal life because they retain their vitality through winter. Scripturally, trees often represent the lasting spiritual health guaranteed by faithfulness (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7–8). The adoption of evergreen wreaths and trees into Christmas traditions underscores the theological message that the birth of Christ offers unending life and that God’s promises are unchanging.
Modern Traditions and Symbolic Alignments
Other familiar holiday elements, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, resonate deeply with biblical themes:
- Poinsettia and Sacrifice: This plant’s vibrant red leaves and star-shaped bracts are linked to Mexican Christian tradition. The red hue symbolizes Christ’s blood and future sacrifice, while the star shape recalls the Star of Bethlehem, uniting the themes of suffering and divine guidance.
- Holly and Kingship: The sharp, spiky leaves of holly were symbolically associated with Christ’s crown of thorns, a connection emphasized in medieval Christian teaching. The red berries represent his blood, while its enduring evergreen nature signifies his eternal kingship.
- Frankincense and Myrrh: These sacred resins, gifted by the Magi, cement the importance of plant elements in the biblical narrative. Frankincense, used in worship, symbolizes holiness; myrrh, used for anointing and embalming, portends Christ’s human mortality and ultimate sacrifice.
By tracing these symbolic layers back to their scriptural roots, florists enhance the meaning of holiday arrangements, offering a richer context that connects the visual beauty of seasonal floral life to foundational theological truths that have defined the Christmas celebration for millennia. The use of these symbols serves as a powerful, silent commentary on the true focus of the season: hope, redemption, and the sacred entry of new life into the world.