BOSTON, MA — While the celebration of Christmas developed centuries after the events described in Scripture, many plants cherished during the contemporary holiday season carry symbolism deeply rooted in biblical imagery. A new exploration of devotional flora reveals that flowers, trees, and fragrant resins referenced throughout the Old and New Testaments provide context for interpreting the spiritual and theological significance of the Nativity.
These botanicals, though not explicitly named as Christmas decorations in the Bible, were adopted by Christians over time to communicate core spiritual truths—such as purity, hope, sacrifice, and eternal life—now associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. Understanding these scriptural foundations adds layers of meaning to common holiday decorations like evergreens, poinsettias, and even the traditional gifts of frankincense and myrrh.
Biblical Foundations of Floral Symbolism
Scripture is rich with natural imagery, often leveraging plants to convey complex spiritual concepts, even if specific holiday rituals are absent. Flowers and trees serve as living parables for divine provision, human mortality, and God’s enduring promises.
Lilies: Purity and Trust. The White Lily, famously cited by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (“Consider the lilies of the field”), became associated with the Christmas season primarily due to its scriptural symbolism of purity, beauty, and reliance on God’s care. In Christian art, the white lily frequently symbolizes the purity and obedience of Mary, the mother of Jesus, connecting the flower directly to the sacred nature of the Nativity.
Roses: Messianic Hope and Redemption. Referenced in prophetic texts like Isaiah, the Rose symbolizes joy, restoration, and renewal, representing the transformation of the barren into something beautiful. Christian tradition later embraced the image of the rose blooming in winter as a metaphor for Christ’s birth—life entering a sterile world. The duality of the rose—beauty alongside thorns—also links the birth of the Savior to his future sacrifice.
Traditional Plants and Prophetic Gifts
Many commonly used Christmas plants draw symbolic inspiration from these established biblical themes:
- Poinsettia: Though not a Middle Eastern plant and therefore absent from the Bible, the poinsettia’s star-shaped structure and vibrant red leaves quickly cemented its place in Christian tradition. Its shape echoes the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color symbolizes Christ’s future sacrifice. Mexican Christian folklore reinforces its association with humble, faithful offerings.
- Evergreens: Trees such as pines and firs, which remain green year-round, were naturally adopted by early Christians to symbolize eternal life and God’s unchanging nature. References in Isaiah and the Psalms compare the righteous to flourishing, enduring trees, aligning the evergreen’s physical attributes with the theological promise of perpetual divine life offered through Christ.
- Frankincense and Myrrh: These sacred resins, presented by the Magi, profoundly underscore the theological significance of the Christmas event. Frankincense, used in temple worship, symbolizes Christ’s divinity and role as High Priest. Myrrh, used for anointing and burial, foreshadows his mortality and eventual redeeming sacrifice, bridging the manger scene with the crucifixion.
Connecting the Nativity to Redemption
Beyond popular ornamental plants, other biblically significant botanicals—such as the Almond Blossom (symbolizing divine watchfulness and awakening) and Hyssop (associated with purification and atonement)—further integrate the themes of Christmas and Easter.
The use of traditional Christmas flora, often rooted in centuries-old reflection on Scripture, transforms mere decoration into visual reminders of biblical narratives. This rich botanical language allows believers to connect the simple scene of the Nativity to the profound, overarching narrative of spiritual renewal and enduring divine fidelity. As historians and religious scholars continue to explore the cross-cultural adoption of these symbols, the enduring presence of these plants affirms their power to communicate timeless truths during the holiday season.