From the ancient days of the Druids through the rise of the Roman Empire and into the evolution of Christianity, certain plants have symbolized Winter Solstice, the cycle of life and the Christmas season. And what better way to explain religious teachings or spiritual beliefs than through an association with life-giving plants.

Look around during the holiday season and youíll see Christmas trees of pine and fir, wreaths hanging from front doors, mistletoe bundles swaying below ceilings and Poinsettias dressed in colorful finery. But what are the origins or mythology behind these plants? The ancient Druids believed that mistletoe, a semi-parasitic plant growing on oaks, protected one against evil and also was used as an expression of love. Branches of sacred mistletoe were given away symbolizing the light of life during the dark winter. The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnia, a 7-day festival in mid-December honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture, that highlighted the winter solstice and transition to the New Year. Trading roles, masters become slaves and slaves became masters. Homes were decorated with greenery and candles, a tradition carried through the transformation of the Christmas celebration. Evergreens in particular, symbolize the perpetuity of life. Unlike deciduous plants that drop their leaves and go dormant in winter, evergreens maintain the circle of life through the darkness of winter. With the passing of Winter Solstice, life will soon sprout again. Bringing an evergreen inside for Christmas has been attributed to 16th century Germany. But it was not until 1846, when Queen Victoria and her German husband Prince Albert, that a tree decorated with ornaments became fashionable. Not only was the Christmas tree a colorful addition to the home, but its triangular shape helped explain the trinity concept of the God, Jesus and Holy Ghost. Wrapped greenery boughs in the form of a wreath also are used to promote the concept of Godís eternal love for the continuity of life. Holly is another plant that is often associated with Christianity and Jesus Christ. Interpreted as a plant that sprouted from Christís footsteps as he walked across the earth, the spiny leaves representing Christ's suffering and the red berries his blood. Pre-dating Christianity, the Druids decorated their homes with holly in winter, inviting nature spirits to dwell within their homes during this time. The Romans also gave boughs of holly during Saturnia as gifts. Pliny the Elder, a 1st century Roman naturalist, wrote that holly planted near a home protected it from witchcraft and lightning. One other plant associated with the Christmas holidays today is the Poinsettia. Plants brought back to South Carolina in the 1820s by the U.S. Minister to Mexico, Joel Robert Poinsett, have formed the foundation of a huge industry. Native to Central America and Mexico, legend has it that a poor child walking to a Christmas Eve service felt bad about not having a gift for the baby Jesus. The child collected some wild growing plants forming a bouquet of weeds. Still ashamed of her gift, the childís spirit was lifted remembering that even a humble gift given in love was perfect for the baby. With her spirit restored, the weeds burst into brilliant color and have been known as the Flores de Noche Buena or Flowers of the Holy Night. So when decorating a home during the holidays with plants, bask in the history that dates thousands of years old and share in the celebration of Winter Solstice, Christmas and the winter season.