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Tradition of holiday greenery
By NICHELLE DEMOREST
dndemorest@ufl.edu
Decorating with fresh greenery has been a treasured household tradition in the South since colonial days. But the roots go deeper than a Southern or Christian tradition. Long before Christianity, ancient Pagans decorated during their winter rituals with wreaths and garlands made from cut evergreen branches. During December, one such ritual also included feasting and gift giving. The longest day of the year is in December, so these were festivities to mark the return of longer, happier, and more fruitful days.
The early Church took a strong stand against decorating with greenery for Christmas because it resembled those pagan rituals. In the sixteenth century, Germans began decorating Christmas trees and it soon became popular in Europe. The Puritans in America kept the traditions from catching on too quickly, but soon homes and churches were displaying fine greenery in celebration of Christmas.
Many of us look forward to adorning the tree and hanging pine-scented greenery for Christmas. Many beautiful evergreen wreaths, swags and garlands can be purchased commercially to decorate for the holidays. But if you really want freshness, why not try shopping in your own back yard for your greenery? Your own cut tree boughs will stand a much better chance of making it through the season. And you might even start a new family tradition of ‘gathering the greens.’
The most traditional greenery is Holly, and the clean, shiny leaves and clusters of red berries are exceptionally showy. Pine and Eastern Red Cedar are also great choices for indoor decorating because they are so fragrant and they dry out slowly. Magnolias, with their large, glossy green leaves, make wonderfully bold wreaths. The contrast of the large leaves used together with long, slender pine needles is also very appealing.
Many other plants in your landscape will add color and texture to your decorations. Although they are not as long lasting, arborvitae, ligustrum, pittosporum, podocarpus and viburnum cuttings will add interest to wreaths, swags, and garlands. When taking cuttings, remember that you are actually pruning your plant. Work with the shape of the plant in mind so it doesn’t end up lopsided.
To extend their freshness, soak cut branches overnight so they can take in plenty of moisture. After they dry off, spray them with an anti-transpirant such as
Wilt-Proof to hold in the moisture. When you arrange the greens inside, keep them away from heat sources, vents and open flames. Just make sure that any decorations with berries are placed out of the reach of small children and pets.
Use your imagination when decorating with greenery. You can use thin floral wire to clump together different kinds of branches into swags or wreaths. For interest, use hot glue to add other seasonal items that you find outdoors such as seed pods, holly berries, fruits, pecans, pine cones and acorns. Intertwine some narrow red ribbon or tie on a festive bow. Then hang, drape, or cluster the handiwork of your new holiday tradition.
If you have pruning or gardening questions, you can contact the UF/IFAS master gardeners of Columbia County on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 752-5384, or visit solutionsforyourlife.com.
The early Church took a strong stand against decorating with greenery for Christmas because it resembled those pagan rituals. In the sixteenth century, Germans began decorating Christmas trees and it soon became popular in Europe. The Puritans in America kept the traditions from catching on too quickly, but soon homes and churches were displaying fine greenery in celebration of Christmas.
Many of us look forward to adorning the tree and hanging pine-scented greenery for Christmas. Many beautiful evergreen wreaths, swags and garlands can be purchased commercially to decorate for the holidays. But if you really want freshness, why not try shopping in your own back yard for your greenery? Your own cut tree boughs will stand a much better chance of making it through the season. And you might even start a new family tradition of ‘gathering the greens.’
The most traditional greenery is Holly, and the clean, shiny leaves and clusters of red berries are exceptionally showy. Pine and Eastern Red Cedar are also great choices for indoor decorating because they are so fragrant and they dry out slowly. Magnolias, with their large, glossy green leaves, make wonderfully bold wreaths. The contrast of the large leaves used together with long, slender pine needles is also very appealing.
Many other plants in your landscape will add color and texture to your decorations. Although they are not as long lasting, arborvitae, ligustrum, pittosporum, podocarpus and viburnum cuttings will add interest to wreaths, swags, and garlands. When taking cuttings, remember that you are actually pruning your plant. Work with the shape of the plant in mind so it doesn’t end up lopsided.
To extend their freshness, soak cut branches overnight so they can take in plenty of moisture. After they dry off, spray them with an anti-transpirant such as
Wilt-Proof to hold in the moisture. When you arrange the greens inside, keep them away from heat sources, vents and open flames. Just make sure that any decorations with berries are placed out of the reach of small children and pets.
Use your imagination when decorating with greenery. You can use thin floral wire to clump together different kinds of branches into swags or wreaths. For interest, use hot glue to add other seasonal items that you find outdoors such as seed pods, holly berries, fruits, pecans, pine cones and acorns. Intertwine some narrow red ribbon or tie on a festive bow. Then hang, drape, or cluster the handiwork of your new holiday tradition.
If you have pruning or gardening questions, you can contact the UF/IFAS master gardeners of Columbia County on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 752-5384, or visit solutionsforyourlife.com.
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