WASHINGTON D.C. – While the Bible contains no explicit references to Christmas celebrations or a definitive list of flowers associated with the Nativity, centuries of Christian reflection have woven scriptural botanical imagery into the modern floral traditions of the holiday. A new analysis of religious history and symbolism reveals how ancient references to lilies, roses, evergreens, and frankincense transcended mere decoration to become profound symbols of purity, promise, redemption, and divine provision during the Christmas season.
Developed long after the New Testament was completed, the Christian liturgical calendar integrated natural elements frequently cited in Scripture—plants, trees, and aromatic resins—to represent core spiritual truths like life, hope, renewal, and sacrifice. The flowers and greenery commonly used today, such as the Poinsettia and Holly, derive their contemporary significance from aligning with these deeper biblical narratives.
Scriptural Roots of Christmas Symbolism
The incorporation of flowers in Nativity imagery is not arbitrary; it draws directly on plants referenced as metaphors for God’s relationship with humanity.
Lilies: Purity and Divine Trust. One of the most direct links comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:28–29, urging followers to “Consider the lilies of the field,” highlighting God’s generous care for creation. At Christmas, the white lily symbolizes the moral purity and humility of Mary, appearing frequently in traditional Annunciation and Nativity scenes, representing the miraculous holiness of Christ’s birth.
Roses: Messianic Hope and Redemption. Referenced in prophetic texts like Isaiah 35:1, which speaks of the desert blooming “as the rose,” this flower represents joy, restoration, and the future age of salvation. Christian tradition embraced the image of the rose blooming in winter as a powerful metaphor for Christ—new life entering a barren world. The rose’s thorns also connect the cradle to the cross, symbolizing the suffering necessary for redemption.
Linking Evergreens and Perfumes to Eternal Life
Other elements, particularly evergreens and the gifts of the Magi, anchor the celebration in themes of permanence and prophecy:
- Evergreens: Remaining green through winter, evergreens intrinsically symbolize endurance and eternal life. Based on scriptural comparisons of the righteous to unwithering trees (Psalm 1:3), evergreen boughs and Christmas trees were adopted to remind believers that God’s promises, represented by Jesus Christ, remain alive and unchanging.
- Frankincense and Myrrh: These sacred resins, presented by the Magi (Matthew 2:11), were not merely luxurious gifts. Frankincense, used in worship, symbolized Christ’s divinity, holiness, and role as high priest, while myrrh, used in anointing and burial, prophetically acknowledged His human mortality and future sacrifice.
Plants Embraced by Tradition
Plants not explicitly named in the Bible have accumulated symbolic weight through adaptation into Christian folklore and devotional practice:
Poinsettias: Originating in Mexican Christian tradition, the Poinsettia is cherished for its seasonal appearance. Its striking red leaves are associated with Christ’s blood and sacrifice, while the star-like clusters recall the Star of Bethlehem. This tradition reinforces the biblical lesson that God values humble offerings given with faith.
Holly: Though not scripturally named, the sharp, glossy leaves and bright red berries of the Holly bush became visual aids in medieval teaching. The sharp leaves symbolized the crown of thorns, and the red berries represented Christ’s blood, symbolically unifying the Nativity with the passion story.
These deeply rooted botanical symbols serve as more than holiday adornment. They offer a layered interpretation of the Christmas narrative, bridging ancient Scripture with modern devotional practice and ensuring that every bouquet and arrangement communicates the holiday’s central theological and historical significance. Understanding this symbolic language enriches the experience of the Christmas season.