Explore the Gift of Floriculture and Flower History
For centuries throughout modern civilization, the holly berry has been associated with the winter holiday season. Let's explore the reasons for this traditional symbol. According to Flowerpaedia (2018), authored by environmental artist and floral specialist Cheralyn Darcey, the holly plant represents resurrection and forgiveness.
Holly [other wise known as] Ilex Aquifolium, represents the following: I wish you peace, good luck, defense, protection, domestic happiness, cheerfulness, homemaking, balance of mind, resurrection, and recovery. The holly is a symbolism for the question, am I forgiven? Am I forgotten? - Flowerpaedia (2018)
Flower Origins of Holly Berry
Hollies can be evergreen or deciduous. The single or clustered, usually greenish small flowers are unisexual. They have four petals, and the male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The berries, also identified as drupes, are an essential winter food source for many bird species. Despite common beliefs, most berries are not safe for human consumption. Holly other wise known as genus Ilex, genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae, are distributed nearly worldwide. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which persist into winter and are popular Christmas decorations.
Deck the halls with bells of holly! - OXO
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Sources For This Article
Author - Naia Geni | Floral Designer | Senior Editor | @naiageni
The holiday season brings joy for scented pine cones and fresh blankets of snow featuring color palettes and textures of powdery white, evergreen pines, and berry red. The collaboration of florals and fruit such as blueberry twigs, winter rose, snow white carnations, and cedar pine are a must have for the holiday celebrations!
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