
The December Flower – The Amaryllis
On December 21, 2022 by PamLegend has it that the amaryllis – the stunning red flower we’ve come to associate with the holidays – began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules’ strength and Apollo’s beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most – a flower so unique it had never existed in the world before – Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi.
Following his instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden’s white and appeared at Alteo’s door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a striking crimson flower, sprung from the blood of Amaryllis’s heart. With this romantic – albeit tragic – tale as its beginning, it’s not surprising that today the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant beauty.
My amaryllis tradition was started for me by my good friend, Heather. She has gifted me one for the past several years – and I am truly in love with the symbol of friendship and beauty. I now have several in my house – at various stages. They seem to love my front window and they produce many radiant blooms.
Do you have a Holiday tradition that you share with a special friend? It doesn’t have to be expensive or involved – just a simple, beautiful amaryllis to add love and light to your world.






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