By this time in December, most of us have already picked and adorned our Christmas trees, the Christmas wreath has been placed lovingly on the front door, and those of us true romantics may even have a sprig of mistletoe hanging from a door way

We know this is an essential part of holiday festivities, and we all know how good it can make you feel deciding exactly which branch each shiny bauble and string of tinsel is placed. But do any of us know where these traditions started or why?

Trees, wreaths and mistletoe as decoration have been used for centuries, originating as far back as Greek times. These decorations all have deep-rooted symbolic value. The wreath is a symbol of success and importance. In Greek times, Kings and heroes wore wreaths on their heads as a type of crown. Sportsmen were awarded a wreath as a sign of success at the Olympic Games in Athens. These wreaths were made with evergreen leaves and branches, so could be hung up as a trophy long after their creation. Wreaths have increased in size since then, and have become a trophy in their own right for those purchasing them. The bigger and more ornate – the better! Is mine more beautiful than my neighbour’s? (If you bought it from Flower Station, then yes.)

Christmas trees are also an evergreen plant. They were used as a symbol to remind people to be hopeful during the bitter Winter and that there will come spring and the renewal of life. They were simpler times back then, and a barren winter was difficult to endure without indoor heating and boiling water at everyone’s disposal. It is easy to forget how lucky we are in a modern day society. Winter is a bit annoying for us, as we may not be able catch our 2 hour flight to Paris or use the entire length of the Piccadilly line, but is hardly something that we won’t be able to endure.

My favourite – mistletoe. There is an old folklore about Frigga, the Goddess of love and her son Balder, God of Summer sun. It is quite a long story, so I will cut to the end. Basically, Frigga used mistletoe to save her son’s life, and was so happy to have to have done this she kisses everyone who walks past the tree on which the plant grew. A decree is made that no harm should ever befall he who stands under the humble mistletoe, only a kiss – a token of love. An ancient tradition that will surely continue for centuries to come, and I’m sure we can all agree why…

Therefore, this festive season Flower Station would like to wish all of you: success, remember this when looking at your wreath, hope and a fresh start for the New Year, remember this when you take down your Christmas Tree, and love, who knows, you may find it underneath the mistletoe.