This is the time of year for celebrations of endings and new beginnings. It’s also a very cheerful season with lots of bright colors. Some of the oldest, most traditional colors came directly from Mother Earth. For example, there’s nothing more delightful than a red Christmas berry bush growing outside your home or as a part of your holiday decor.
I’m talking about the bright red berries of the season. I had to do some research for this post because I’ve never looked that closely at which red berry was being used in the centerpiece and holiday decor. Much less, did I know there are different varieties of holiday red berries. So, I hope you find this interesting and useful.
We’ve all seen these red berry plants adorn our entryways and intertwine into all Christmas decor. It’s a traditional look that brings joy to the hearts of many with its bright red berry color along with the vibrant green leaves.
Interestingly, there are three main families of red berry plants for the holidays. If you’re as curious as I was to learn about these red berry plants, continue reading and enjoy!
Winterberry Branches • Beautiful in Winter Snow
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This shrub, whose name derives from its Christmas-red berries, grows slowly to about 15 feet high and is native to North America. They carry their leaves until around late October when they shed leaving them with only the bright red berries.
With or without their leaves, they have been a favorite decor element for hundreds of years. Please note that Winterberries are not edible!
European Hollyberries • Traditional Holly Decor
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This winter shrub with its red berries and green pointy leaves has been a holiday favorite that dates back to the time of the Druids who revered this plant as a symbol of everlasting life.
The ancient Romans also decked the halls with boughs of holly during the festival of Saturnalia, which commemorates Saturn, the God of agriculture and harvest.
Later adopted by the Christians, it became a symbol of Jesus’ promise of everlasting life. What enduring, lovely traditions this berry gives the world. Again, these berries are not edible.
Cranberry Shrub • The Edible Red Berry
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Cranberries are small evergreen shrubs with edible red berries that carry a powerful punch of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. These berries are a favorite dish during the winter season. In size, they are larger than the holly berries and their deep red color adds elegance to any menu.
Cranberries are small evergreen shrubs with edible red berries that carry a powerful punch of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. In fact, these berries are a favorite dish during the holidays. Being larger in size than the holly berries, their deep red color adds elegance to any holiday meal.
You can also string them together for a red berry merry garland for your Christmas tree!
May Your Days be Red Berry Merry!
Happy Holidays and Christmas Cheer to all. May your days be red berry merry and bright!
In conclusion.
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