A guide to evergreen symbolism and old-world traditions.

As the year darkens and winter settles in, the natural world appears quiet — but not empty. Certain plants continue to thrive, offering colour, scent, and symbolism during the most quiet season of all. 

Across ancient Europe, winter botanicals like evergreen trees, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, rose hips, pine, spruce, and even citrus carried deep folklore. They became emblems of life, hope, continuity, and the returning sun.

Below is a small dive into the plants traditionally associated with midwinter, the solstice, and early celebrations that later influenced Christmas.

Evergreen Trees — Pine, Fir, Spruce & Juniper

Evergreens were seen as trees that “refuse to die,” remaining green when everything else withered. They were brought indoors during winter festivals to symbolize endurance, life, protection, and the promise of renewal.

Pine represented longevity
Spruce symbolized resilience
Juniper was burned for cleansing and protection

Holly

With its glossy leaves and bright berries, holly was believed to guard homes against misfortune and dark spirits. In Celtic and Roman traditions, it symbolized protection, vitality, and the spark of life during dark months.

Ivy

Unlike holly, ivy represents connection, perseverance, and fidelity, as it clings and grows through winter. It was used symbolically in blessing rituals and to represent the interdependence of life.

Mistletoe

One of winter’s most mysterious plants, mistletoe was sacred to the Druids. It symbolized peace, healing, fertility, and protection. Kissing beneath mistletoe is a remnant of very ancient beliefs about harmony and blessing.

Rose Hips & Winter Berries

Red berries were seen as a promise that life persists beneath the frost. Rose hips, which appear after blooms fade, symbolized hope, healing, and quiet endurance.

Citrus Fruits — Oranges, Clementines & Winter Sun Symbols

Citrus is not an ancient European winter plant, yet it became deeply symbolic due to trade routes. Oranges were seen as gifts of the sun — bright, fragrant reminders of warmth and returning light during the darkest season.

By the Victorian era, oranges in stockings symbolized prosperity, protection, and gratitude. Their scent made them a holiday treasure, and their gold colour echoed sun symbolism found across old-world traditions.

Juniper, Yew & Bay

Juniper was burned as incense for purification
Yew symbolized eternity and the cyclical nature of life
Bay symbolized wisdom and protection

These plants were often used in winter rituals intended to cleanse the home, invite blessings, and mark the transition from old year to new.

Gentle Winter Rituals Inspired by Old Folklore

• Create a solstice greenery vase-arrangement with pine, juniper & holly

• Dry citrus slices for symbolic “sun charms”

• Collect rose hips and display them in small decorations as a reminder of resilience

• Burn a juniper or bay leaf for symbolic renewal

• Build a simple seasonal altar with candles + winter foliage

• Refresh your home with decor and folk art that honours the season

• Drink rose hip tea 

A Gentle Invitation

If you love botanical symbolism and folklore as well as nature-inspired interiors, you can explore my Botanical Folk Art Collection — filled with portraits, plants, and earthy, textured pieces that celebrate the magic of the natural world. Explore botanical originals HERE or find prints HERE. 

And if you enjoy slow-living stories and seasonal inspiration, feel free to pin this post, share it, or follow along for more nature-inspired art and seasonal guides in my newsletter HERE.

Sincerely 

Julie Celina