WASHINGTON, D.C. — The traditional “Twelve Days of Christmas,” spanning December 25th (Christmas Day) until January 6th (Epiphany), represent a historical two-week period of religious observance, feasting, and gift-giving, with flowers and specialized greenery remaining central to global celebrations. Historically, December 25th marked the beginning, not the end, of the holiday season, driving demand for durable floral arrangements and symbolizing deeper cultural connections among varied European and North American customs.
This enduring festive timeline offers professional florists unique opportunities beyond the immediate Christmas rush, highlighting the crucial roles of classic evergreens, the storied Poinsettia, and traditions leading up to the Feast of the Epiphany.
The Evergreen Trinity: Symbolism and Practicality
European holiday floristry is built upon three enduring evergreens whose symbolic use predates Christianity, tracing back to Winter Solstice rites meant to ward off evil and promise spring’s return.
Holly, Ivy, and Mistletoe
Holly (often European Ilex aquifolium) carries rich Christian symbolism, its thorny leaves representing Christ’s crown of thorns and the red berries symbolizing drops of blood. Florists note that securing fresh, bright, firm-berried holly is paramount, though it requires constant hydration and misting to prevent leaf drop.
Ivy, a symbol of eternal devotion and fidelity due to its clinging, perennial nature, was traditionally paired with holly. Florists rely on its trailing habit to add movement and texture, utilizing variegated forms for visual contrast in garlands and arrangements.
Mistletoe holds the most storied, romantic, and ancient pagan roots. Considered sacred by the Druids, the tradition of kissing beneath it emerged in 18th-century England. While commercially challenging—it is a parasitic plant difficult to cultivate—a fresh bunch commands a premium. Florists must issue clear warnings, as the characteristic white berries are toxic and should be kept away from children and pets.
The Poinsettia’s Global Journey
No plant is more synonymous with the modern Christmas season than the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Known as cuetlaxochitl (mortal flower) by the Aztecs, it provided dyes and medicine before 17th-century Franciscan monks in Mexico adopted its star-shaped leaf configuration and vibrant red color into Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) services.
In 1829, Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, introduced the plant to the United States. Its massive market ubiquity, however, is credited to the Paul Ecke family of California. They perfected grafting techniques in the early 20th century to produce bushier cultivars and utilized pioneering marketing strategies in the 1960s, ensuring the “Christmas Eve Flower” appeared on television screens nationwide.
Care Challenges Today: Poinsettias are highly sensitive to temperature extremes. Florists must maintain plants between 60°F and 70°F and scrupulously protect them from cold drafts or chilling during transport—even brief exposure below 50°F can cause irreparable damage. Customers should be advised to choose plants where the central yellow-green true flowers (cyathia) are undeveloped for peak longevity.
Epiphany: The Grand Finale
The conclusion of the twelve days on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, marks a significant cultural event, particularly in Latin America and Spain, where it is known as Día de los Reyes (Day of the Kings). This day celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men and is the traditional time for major gift exchange.
Florists catering to these communities experience a late-season surge in demand for elaborate, opulent arrangements incorporating rich colors like purple, deep red, and gold accents. These designs symbolize the royalty of the visiting Kings and their precious gifts, often featuring metallic elements or exotics to evoke the long journey.
Modern Opportunities for Florists:
- Twelve Days Subscriptions: Offer recurring fresh arrangements or greenery bundles throughout the extended holiday period to encourage sustained business.
- Cultural Specificity: Offer specialized arrangements, such as massed Poinsettia displays for Mexican clients or simple, natural designs for Scandinavian communities, demonstrating cultural fluency.
- Educational Workshops: Host sessions demonstrating the construction of traditional decorations like Victorian wreaths or Kissing Boughs—elaborate, historically popular English centerpieces that predate the Christmas tree.
By respecting the extended length of the traditional Christmas season and understanding the deep history behind both native evergreens and introduced blooms, florists can create more meaningful arrangements that celebrate these enduring traditions across global marketplaces.