With the Christmas rose, the “Christ” in the name is not just a coincidence. Because their heyday is when the calendar also shows the birthday of Jesus Christ. It also has other meaningful names and is a plant with a rich past and symbolism.
What is the meaning of the Christmas rose?
In earlier times, the Christmas rose was considered a sacred plant that could drive away evil. Nowadays they see religious people primarily as asymbol of hopeIt was once used against serious illnesses, but is currently only used in homeoptic preparations.
Why does the Christmas rose have such great religious symbolism?
Because theChristmas rose blooms at the birth of Christ, almost everything about it is interpreted symbolically. Their ability to grow and flourish in the most inhospitable time of year, even under snow, is associated with a fighting spirit like Jesus. The sight of them should remind us to never give up courage and hope. The white color of the flowers is said to represent purity and innocence. Because of this symbolism and their low maintenance requirements, all Christmas rose varieties are often used as grave plants.
What is the legend about the “birth” of the first Christmas rose?
The legend goes something like this: A shepherd boy once wanted to give the newborn Jesus a gift. But he was poor and couldn't afford anything. He was so sad about this that he shed a few tears. They dripped onto the bare ground and a miracle happened. Beautiful white flowers immediately grew that reminded him of roses. He picked them and brought them to Jesus. This is how the evergreen plant, which has been an integral part of our nature ever since, got its name Christmas rose.
What significance does the Christmas rose have in medicine?
Many centuries ago, when science did not play a major role, the root of the Christmas rose was used against epilepsy, mental illness and heart failure. It is not proven whether the healing power attributed to it actually achieved the desired effect. What is certain is that the Christmas rose is highly poisonous. Today it is onlyin homeopathic preparations to have a healing effect against the following diseases:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Migraines
Why is the Christmas rose also called hellebore?
Helleborus niger, the perennial's Latin name, translates as hellebore. It wasn't given to her without reason. Because back then it was already known and possible to producefine sneezing powder from their dried roots to use it as snuff.
What does the Christmas rose say in the language of flowers?
The message to the recipient is:“Help me overcome my fear!” or “You are my hope!”
Tip
Christmas rose is also called snow rose, but not spring rose
The Christmas rose is so robust that it blooms even under snow. That's why snow rose is also a common name for her. Things look different with the Lenzrose. It is just a related hellebore species that blooms later and more colorfully.
