December Birth Flowers: Narcissus and Holly Meanings & Symbolism

As the year draws to a close, December is marked by two evocative birth flowers. The primary December birth flower is the narcissus, specifically the winter-blooming paperwhite, a fragrant white flower symbolizing hope, good wishes, and respect. The secondary December birth flower is holly, the glossy evergreen with bright red berries long tied to protection, joy, and the festive spirit of midwinter. Together they bring light and greenery to the darkest month of the year.

What Is the Birth Flower for December?

The birth flower for December is the narcissus (Narcissus, especially the paperwhite variety), with holly (Ilex) recognized as the monthu2019s secondary birth flower. The narcissus is usually listed first, valued for its winter blooms and its message of hope and good wishes. Holly, though technically a foliage plant with berries rather than a showy flower, is included for its strong seasonal symbolism and evergreen presence.

The Primary December Birth Flower: The Narcissus

The December narcissus is most often the paperwhite, a variety in the same genus as daffodils that blooms in winter and is popular for forcing indoors during the holiday season. It produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with a strong, sweet fragrance, bringing brightness to homes in the coldest months.

As Decemberu2019s birth flower, the narcissus symbolizes hope, good wishes, respect, and faithfulness. Its ability to bloom in winter made it an emblem of optimism and renewal at the turn of the year, and it is often given to wish someone well for the future.

Narcissus Meaning and Symbolism

The narcissus carries a message of hope and good fortune, particularly fitting for the yearu2019s end. It is also associated with respect and faithfulness, and in some traditions with wishing prosperity and renewal for the season ahead. The winter-blooming paperwhite in particular has become a symbol of light and cheer during the darkest weeks of the year.

The Secondary December Birth Flower: Holly

Holly is a hardy evergreen shrub or tree recognized by its spiny, glossy green leaves and vivid red berries. It stays green through winter when most plants are bare, which made it a powerful symbol of endurance and life in the cold season and a centerpiece of midwinter decoration.

As a December birth flower, holly symbolizes protection, defense, domestic happiness, and festive joy. Its evergreen leaves and bright berries have long been read as signs of hope and vitality persisting through winter, and it features prominently in seasonal celebrations of light and renewal.

What Do the December Birth Flowers Symbolize?

Together, Decemberu2019s birth flowers celebrate hope and endurance at the yearu2019s close. The narcissus contributes hope, good wishes, and respect, while holly adds protection, joy, and the resilience of evergreen life. For a December birthday, this pairing suggests optimism and warmth carried through the depths of winter.

Color and Appearance

These flowers are defined by a crisp seasonal palette:

White narcissus (paperwhite) symbolizes purity, hope, and good wishes.
Yellow narcissus varieties add cheer and renewal.
Green holly leaves represent enduring life and protection.
Red holly berries convey joy, vitality, and festive spirit.

The classic pairing of green and red in holly has become one of the most recognizable color combinations of the winter season.

History and Cultural Significance

The narcissus has a long history across cultures, from Greek mythology to its role as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in some winter and new-year traditions. The paperwhiteu2019s habit of blooming indoors in winter made it a cherished way to bring living flowers into the home during December.

Holly carries deep roots in European midwinter customs, where evergreens were brought indoors to symbolize the persistence of life through winter and to offer protection. Its association with the festive season has kept it central to December decoration and folklore for centuries.

Why Are These Flowers Associated With December?

The connection is seasonal and cultural. The paperwhite narcissus is one of the few flowers that blooms in December, often coaxed into flower indoors for the holidays, while holly remains green and berried through the coldest month when little else survives. Both plants bring color and life to midwinter, which tied them firmly to December.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official birth flower for December?

The narcissus, especially the paperwhite, is the primary birth flower for December, with holly as its recognized secondary flower.

Does December have two birth flowers?

Yes. December is commonly assigned both the narcissus and holly, with the narcissus listed first.

What does the December narcissus symbolize?

The narcissus symbolizes hope, good wishes, respect, and faithfulness, fitting for the turn of the year.

What does holly symbolize?

Holly symbolizes protection, domestic happiness, and festive joy, with its evergreen leaves representing enduring life.

Is the December narcissus the same as a daffodil?

They belong to the same genus. The December narcissus is usually the winter-blooming paperwhite, a close relative of the spring daffodil.

Why is holly associated with December?

Holly stays green and berried through winter and is central to midwinter and holiday traditions, tying it to December.

Explore the full series in our guide to Birth Flowers by Month.

Have a Question?

What is the birth flower for December?

December has two birth flowers: the narcissus and holly. The narcissus, particularly the paperwhite variety, is the primary birth flower and symbolizes hope, good wishes, and respect. Holly serves as the secondary birth flower, representing protection, joy, and festive cheer during the winter season.

What does the narcissus symbolize as a December birth flower?

The narcissus symbolizes hope, good wishes, faithfulness, and respect, making it a meaningful flower for the end of the year. The paperwhite variety in particular is associated with renewal and optimism because it blooms in winter, bringing light and fragrance to the darkest months. It is often given to wish someone prosperity and good fortune for the future.

Why is holly considered a December birth flower?

Holly is recognized as a December birth flower because of its deep seasonal symbolism and evergreen presence during midwinter. Its glossy green leaves and bright red berries remain vibrant when most plants are bare, making it a powerful symbol of endurance, protection, and vitality. Holly has been used in winter celebrations for centuries and represents domestic happiness and festive joy.