Christmas Decorations By Cheryl Elizabeth Davis FamilyPast.co.uk
E
mbrace the winter solstice with the shortest day of the year on the 21st December. The term “Solstice” comes from the latin word solstitium which means ‘sun stands still’. The winter solstice also is the start of winter and for many gardeners there are many jobs which can be done around the garden like pruning rose bushes, cutting back trees, clearing debris and harvesting vegetables. However, many consider this time of year just too cold to go outside and sometimes in hard frosts it’s impossible to do anything. Not all is lost, why not bring your outdoor inspirations and creative side inside your home with some indoor plants. Perhaps Christmas being on our doorsteps is also a time to get creative with traditional Christmas plants. The poinsettia is a great way of bringing some deep tones of reds to a room. Include some evergreens and mistletoe which go back to pagan traditions, adding holly and not forgetting decorating wreaths and christmas trees. In 1904 people used a wooden hoop 36
to tie rags around which they sewed leaves on and then added berries made of sealing wax. In the early 1920s many people were inspired to use rustic style christmas decorations such as dried moss with brightly coloured fruits and nuts as a centerpiece on the table. They also were inspired to use remaining isolated roses from the garden for decorative table features. The Victorians used laurel as a popular plant to use around the home as a christmas decoration which goes back to roman times as laurel symbolised peace, victory and joy. The victorians were also very superstitious and used laurel branches not only for decorative purposes but to be rid of evil omens. Today, many of us are still very traditional overall with Christmas decorations, however, modern influences are inspiring people to try alternative plants and styles in and around the home.
