WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the Bible contains no explicit references to the Christmas holiday or a definitive list of flowers associated with the Nativity, biblical scholars and florists confirm that the tradition of using specific plants during the season originates in ancient Scripture. Over centuries, Christians integrated the pervasive floral and botanical imagery found throughout the Jewish and Christian testaments into a meaningful framework that links common holiday plants—such as lilies, roses, and evergreen boughs—with deep theological truths surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.
This synthesis of botany and devotion offers a layered understanding of why certain motifs persist in modern celebration, bridging the gap between historical biblical symbolism and contemporary Christmas decor.
Scriptural Roots of Christmas Botany
The Bible frequently uses natural elements—including flowers, trees, and fragrant resins—as potent metaphors for spiritual concepts like purity, hope, sacrifice, and divine promise. As the liturgical celebration of Christmas developed centuries after the events it commemorates, early Christian reflection connected these universal symbols with the specific meaning of Christ’s incarnation.
“Scripture is richly filled with imagery drawn from nature,” explains a botanical historian specializing in religious symbolism. “These elements were repeatedly utilized to communicate fundamental truths—life, hope, suffering, renewal, and righteousness.”
Four key symbols commonly seen throughout the Christmas environment draw direct inspiration from scriptural themes:
1. The Lily: Purity and Divine Provision
Lilies are used in the New Testament (Matthew 6:28–29) to illustrate God’s generosity and care, emphasizing dependence and trust. They symbolize purity and holiness, qualities traditionally associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Because of this connection, white lilies frequently appear in Nativity and Annunciation art, underscoring the miraculous and holy nature of Christ’s birth.
2. The Rose: Restoration and Messianic Hope
In prophetic texts like Isaiah 35:1, the rose symbolizes restoration, joy, and the coming age of salvation. The image of a rose blooming unexpectedly in a barren, winter setting became a widespread Christian metaphor for the arrival of Christ into a world considered spiritually dormant. Later traditions tied red roses to Christ’s future sacrifice and redemption, making the rose a symbol that spans both the beginning and end of the Christian narrative.
3. Evergreen Plants: Eternal Life
Evergreen trees, which retain their vitality through the depth of winter, are referenced in numerous Old Testament passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7–8) as metaphors for endurance, faithfulness, and spiritual vitality. The adoption of evergreen branches, wreaths, and eventually the Christmas tree by Christians symbolized the eternal life made available through Christ, reminding adherents that God’s promises remain constant.
4. Frankincense and Myrrh: Prophetic Significance
Though not strictly flowers, the inclusion of these sacred resins among the Magi’s gifts (Matthew 2:11) powerfully emphasizes the role of botanical elements in the story. Frankincense symbolized prayer and holiness, pointing to Christ’s divinity, while myrrh, an ingredient used for anointing and burial, foreshadowed his sacrificial death.
Symbols of Suffering and Transformation
Beyond direct scriptural reference, other plants gained Christmas prominence through devotional artistic tradition. The Poinsettia, for instance, is not mentioned in ancient texts but became a popular modern symbol, particularly in Mexican Christian tradition. Its red leaves are linked to sacrifice (Christ’s blood), and its star-like pattern recalls the Star of Bethlehem, visually unifying themes of the Nativity and the cross.
Similarly, Holly became a visual teaching tool during the Medieval period. Its sharp leaves were associated with the crown of thorns, its red berries with Christ’s blood, and its evergreen nature with enduring life, transforming a common forest plant into a profound symbol of the suffering savior.
Ultimately, whether drawing directly from the Gospels or evolving through centuries of piety, the botanical elements of Christmas serve as both decorative and didactic tools, continuously linking seasonal celebrations back to core biblical narratives of holiness, hope, and redemption. These enduring natural symbols ensure that the deep spiritual context remains visible within the joyful pageantry of the modern holiday.