Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Christmas Rose

The Christmas Rose

The association of Christmas flowers with the celebration of Christmas is something, which is permanent. Christmas Rose is a celebrated English plant (this means they have it in England not here) that is regarded as a true Christmas flower . It is sometimes called the Snow or Winter Rose. It blooms during the winter season in the mountains of Central Europe.


According to legends the Christmas flower is linked with the birth of Christ and a modest shepherd maiden named Madelon. As Madelon tented her sheep one cold and wintry night, wise men and other shepherds passed by the snow-covered field where she was with their gifts for the Christ Child. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves. Poor Madelon began to weep at the thought of having nothing to offer, not even a simple flower for the Newborn King, as she was very poor indeed. And as she stood there weeping, an angel passing saw her sorrow, and stooping he brushed aside the snow at her feet revealing a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - the Christmas rose.

Also in northern and central Europe it is a tradition to break off a branch of a cherry tree at the beginning of the Advent and keep it in water in a warm room; the flowers should burst into bloom at Christmas time.

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