Christmas in the Philippines is a vibrant and festive time of year, marked by a unique blend of traditions and celebrations. One such tradition is the use of Christmas flowers to adorn homes, churches, and festive gatherings. These beautiful blooms add a touch of color and charm to the holiday season, making Christmas in the Philippines truly special. In this blog, we’ll explore some delightful Christmas flower bouquet ideas that capture the spirit of the season.
1] Poinsettias: The Star of Philippine Christmas
Poinsettias are perhaps the most iconic Christmas flower in the Philippines. Known locally as “Parol de Flores” or “Pasko-Pasko,” they symbolize the star that guided the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. Poinsettias are traditionally displayed as potted plants or incorporated into stunning bouquets. Their vibrant red and green leaves perfectly capture the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.
Bouquet Idea: A Classic Poinsettia Arrangement
Create a beautiful centerpiece for your Christmas table by combining poinsettias with other seasonal flowers like white roses, carnations, and holly. The red and green color scheme exudes the Christmas spirit, making it a stunning addition to your holiday decor.
2] Simbang Gabi Floral Bouquets
Filipinos love to celebrate Christmas with Simbang Gabi, also known as Night Mass. Filipinos show how much they care by going to nine straight Masses before dawn before Christmas Day. During this time, a lot of people bring flowers to the church as a gift or to honor the Virgin Mary. Flowers that are soft and smell good are often used to make bouquets for Simbang Gabi.
Bouquet Idea: Simple White Lilies and Roses
Use pure white flowers and roses to make a beautiful and peaceful bouquet for Simbang Gabi. This mix stands for purity, kindness, and devotion, which makes it an important gift at early morning Masses.
3] Tropical Christmas Bouquets
Christmas takes place in the Philippines during the humid wet season. Many Filipinos choose exotic flowers and leaves for their Christmas bouquets to show appreciation for their unique climate. These flowers are a nice change from the usual red and green color scheme and add a bit of local charm.
Bouquet Idea: Exotic Orchids and Heliconias
Orchids and heliconias are native to the Philippines and are often used in tropical Christmas bouquets. These flowers add a burst of foreign beauty to your holiday preparations with their bright colors and unique shapes. For a truly tropical touch, add palm leaves and flowers.
4] The Belen Arrangement
A big part of Filipino Christmas customs is the Belen, which is a picture of the Nativity scene. Setting up a Belen arrangement is a unique and touching way to make a Christmas flower bouquet. You can use different kinds of flowers and plants to show the Holy Family, the angels, and the animals.
Bouquet Idea: Miniature Roses, Baby’s Breath, and Greenery
For the Holy Family, use small flowers, baby’s breath, and grass. For the shepherds, use the baby’s breath. Put these things together in a way that looks like the traditional Belen scene to make a truly unique Christmas bouquet.
5] Paskong Pinoy: A Festive Filipino Bouquet
Filipinos celebrate Christmas in a way that is called “Paskong Pinoy.” This way is a mix of local and international practices. Bring this one-of-a-kind spirit into your Christmas flower bouquet by mixing images from Filipino culture and around the world.
Bouquet Idea: Incorporate Filipino Christmas Lanterns and Traditional Blooms
Adding small Parols (Filipino Christmas lights) to your bouquet will give it a touch of local style. Add red and white roses, which represent love and peace, and other classic Christmas flowers. These local and international flowers will come together to make a truly festive and unique bouquet.
6] Pamasko: The Gift of Flowers
People in the Philippines often give and receive gifts at Christmas. A bunch of flowers is a thoughtful and heartwarming gift for someone you care about. You can make the bouquet unique by adding the person’s favorite flowers or writing a message on it.
Bouquet Idea: Personalized Flower Arrangements
When making a gift, think about what flowers or colors the person will like best. Of course, you can add flowers that have special meanings, like sunflowers for happiness or red roses for love. Putting a personal Christmas message on a note or card by hand makes the gift even more special.
7] Mano Po: A Blessing with Flowers
Another Filipino Christmas ritual is “Mano Po,” which means to honor and bless older people. It is a sign of respect to bring an elder’s hand to your face and ask for their blessing. It’s a lovely thing to do, and flowers can make it even better.
Bouquet Idea: Orchids and Carnations
Orchids are a sign of respect and love, which makes them a great choice for Mano Po. Orchids and flowers both mean love and thanks. Put them together to make a bouquet that shows your family members how much you care about and respect them.
8] Christmas Flower Arrangements for Altars
During the Christmas season, many Filipino homes have altars that are set aside for the Holy Family. There are flowers, candles, and holy images on these platforms. A treasured custom is making an altar arrangement that is both beautiful and important.
Bouquet Idea: Roses, Lilies, and Candles
Make a flower arrangement for your Christmas altar with red and white roses and lilies. Put in white candles to represent Christ’s light. The beautiful scent and beauty of these flowers will make your home feel calm and holy.
Dangwa Flower Shop: Affordable Dangwa Flowers
If you’re in search of exquisite blooms without breaking the bank, look no further than Dangwa Flower Shop. Located in the heart of Dangwa, the flower district in Manila, this shop is your go-to destination for affordable and beautiful flowers. Whether you’re looking for a bouquet to brighten someone’s day or a stunning arrangement for a special occasion, Dangwa Flower Shop offers a wide selection of fresh and vibrant blooms at budget-friendly prices. With their commitment to quality and affordability, you can bring a touch of elegance to any event without emptying your wallet. Choose Dangwa Flower Shop for all your floral needs and discover the beauty of affordable flowers in the heart of Manila.
Conclusion
Christmas in the Philippines is a time of joy, togetherness, and vibrant celebrations. Flowers play an essential role in these festivities, enhancing the holiday spirit with their beauty and symbolism. Whether you choose classic poinsettias, serene white lilies, exotic tropical blooms, or a unique Belen arrangement, Christmas flowers are a wonderful way to express your love and devotion during this special season in the Philippines. So, this Christmas, embrace the tradition of adorning your home with beautiful bouquets that capture the true essence of the Filipino Christmas spirit.