December – Last and Sober Month of the Year Last but not less December is the month of celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. If you happened to be born in December, you have two birth flowers to symbolize your month — the Narcissus (Paperwhite) and the Holly. Each of the following flowers are steeped with meaning, tradition and beauty that can make a believer laugh with joy! Inside this ultimate guide we cover everything you need to know about the December birth flower, including its origins, meanings, care tips, varieties, and fun facts.
What Is the Birth Flower for December?
December is the only month of the year with two flowers, each representing parts of its significance:
Table of Contents
- ✅ Narcissus (Paperwhite) — A lovely scented flower that signifies hope, renewal, purity, and a fresh start. It’s frequently linked with rebirth as the new year rolls around.
- ✅ Holly — A hardy evergreen shrub with sharp, shiny leaves and red berries. It represents protection, peace, and luck, and is strongly associated with winter holidays.
Both these December birth flowers capture the duality of winter — its delicate stillness and its ineradicable spirit.
Quick Comparison Table: December Birth Flowers
| Feature | Narcissus (Paperwhite) | Holly |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Family | Amaryllidaceae | Aquifoliaceae |
| Native Range | Mediterranean | Europe, North Africa, West Asia |
| Bloom Color | White (sometimes yellow at middle) | Small white flowers, red berries |
| Symbolism | Hope, renewal, purity, new beginnings | Protection, joy, good fortune, peace |
| Best Use | Indoor decor, New Year’s gifts, potted in winter pots | Holiday wreaths, festive decorations |
| Bloom Season | Late fall to winter indoors | Winter |
| Local History | Greek myth, holiday indoor gardens | Ancient rituals, Christmas tradition |
Historical Significance of December Birth Flowers
Narcissus in Antiquity And lest we forget our ancient!
The Narcissus is named after the Greek myth. There’s the story of Narcissus, a young man gazing so rapturously at his own reflection that he faded away, until there was nothing left but the flower that now bears his name. But the flower has grown to represent self-awareness, regeneration and the hope of spring.
In the days of old Rome, flowers of the Narcissus were thought to be an emblem of good fortune and were used in festivals to the gods.
Holly’s Role in Winter Traditions
“Holly has always been associated with wintertime rituals:
- They treated it as a holy plant that warded off evil spirits, according to the Druids.
- Romans incorporated holly into their midwinter festival, Saturnalia, as a symbol of goodwill.
- In Christian symbolism the prickly leaves were likened to the crown of thorns that Jesus was forced to wear, and the berries stood for his blood.
The December Birth Flower and Its Meanings Around the World
The meanings of the December birth flower vary by culture and society:
| Region | Flower and its significance |
|---|---|
| Western Europe | Holly – protection, peace and Christmas spirit |
| Mediterranean | Narcissus – Hope, rebirth and Purity |
| China | Narcissus – Wealth and prosperity (with the onset of New Year) |
| North America | Both the flowers of demand for festive decorations |
| Middle East | Narcissus – beauty and poetic inspiration |
Symbolic December Birth Flower Meanings
Narcissus (Paperwhite) Flower Symbolism
- Hope & Rebirth -blossoming in the darkest time of the year, Paperwhite Narcissus symbolizes the renewal of light and the rebirth of spring.
- Purity — And its fragile, white petals represent innocence and truth.
- Respect & Admiration—During the Victorian Era’s language of flowers, the presentation of a Narcissus expressed respect and regard
Holly Symbolism
- Protection — Employed in the olden days to protect homes against evil and misfortune.
- Joy & Festivity – The most iconic symbol of Christmas joy and family gathering.
- Eternal Life — Being an evergreen, it represents resilience and immortality.
How to Plant and Care for December Birth Flowers
Paperwhite (Narcissus) Planting Tips
Paperwhites are one of the easiest bulbs to grow indoors. Here’s how:
- Light: Full sunlight for a several hours per day is great.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy; for water-grown bulbs, keep only the roots submerged.
- Container: Shallow planting pots or glass containers filled with pebbles are a good choices.
- Temperature: Likes cool indoor temps (50–65 degrees F / 10–18 degrees C) in order to produce longer blooms.
- Time to bloom: 3-6 weeks after planting.
👉 Pro tip: Succeed for cut flowers by staggering planting dates to get fall blooms through winter!
Holly Growing Tips
Patience pays for the gardener who gives holly shrubs time to develop.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic.
- Watering: During dry spells, young plants should not be allowed to dry out.
- Pruning: Greatest in the winter to induce shape.
- Companion plants: Both male and female plants are needed to produce the berries.
How to Use December Birth Flowers in Everyday Life
The december birth flower has a special place outside the garden:
- The Narcissus (paperwhite) Narcissus (paperwhite) is often used in winter flower arrangements, New Year gifts, and indoor potting.
- The holly is an indispensable element in holiday wreaths, table centerpieces, and garlands and other Christmas decor.
In aromatherapy, holly has a relaxing odour, and the Narcissus flower produces an oil used in perfumes with a calming aroma; the oil is used in aromatherapy as well.
December Birth Flower in Art and Literature
The December birth flower has inspired much art and literature:
- Narcissus: In Greek mythology and Renaissance paintings, it is often a symbol of beauty, self-reflection and the fragility of nature.
- Holly: A ubiquitous theme in medieval manuscripts, Victorian holiday cards, and the holiday jingle The Holly and the Ivy.
December Flower and Spiritual Significance
In spiritual traditions:
- Narcissus symbolises the soul’s path, inner light and renaissance.
- Holly is thought to protect homes from negative energy and to invite benevolent forces.
And those two are powerful symbols in solstice celebrations, which honor the turning point of the year as darkness begins to cede to light.
December Birth Flower Traditions Globally
Here’s how these flowers are being used in December traditions worldwide:
| Country | Flower | Usage/Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Holly | Christmas home decoration and good health symbol |
| Italy | Holly | New Year’s good luck charm |
| China | Narcissus | To celebrate Lunar New Year, a synonym of wealth and good luck |
| USA | Both | Trendy in holiday decoration, gifting, and as a winter wedding flower |
Design and Decor Ideas Using the December Birth Flower
If you’d like to include the December birth flower in your home or event:
- Use the Paperwhite bulbs to make simple table centerpieces in glass vases.
- Make holly-style holiday wreaths with pine cones and ribbon.
- Pot Paperwhites to sit pretty on windowsills throughout the winter.
- Adorn presents with small holly sprigs for a natural touch of the holidays.
FAQs
What are the birth flowers for December?
There are two flowers of the month for December, Narcissus (Paperwhite) and Holly. They are both the representatives of hope, happiness, protection, and also renewal.
How come December has two birth flowers?
The two flowers of December also capture its two sides — the fine, fragile beauty of the Paperwhite and the unrelenting vigor of Holly.
Is it possible to grow the December birth flower indoors?
Yes, Paperwhites are great for growing indoors in winter. Holly can be potted although does struggle inside long-term.
Are birth flowers for December good as gifts?
Absolutely! A pot of Paperwhites or a ring of holly is a thoughtful and timely present for December birthday or festivities.
Is Holly safe around pets?
Holly berries are toxic if eaten by animals and young children. Place sprays of holly precluded from the grasp of children to keep kids safe.
Conclusion
The December birth flower, which combines the dual symbols of Narcissus and Holly, captures the essence of the season: hope, resilience, protection and renewal. If you’re celebrating a December birthday, decorating for the holidays, or just fitting in with the cold weather season, these flowers bring timeless beauty and significance to the table. From age-old rituals to contemporary décor, they remind us that in the coldest months, nature’s wonders persist in inspiring and elevating us.