What kind of message do horticultural gifts send at Christmas? ASK THE HORT AGENT
Question What kind of message do horticultural gifts send at Christmas?
Answer Initially, you may think festive plants may be good enough for regular folks, but not for high-end folks. How about a king? The Christian Christmas is an annual celebration of Jesus' birthday (even though he was probably born in June). The Bible says wise men brought gifts to Jesus to celebrate his birthday (Matthew or Luke). They were taking gifts to the “King of the Jews.” Two of the three gifts presented were horticultural in nature - frankincense and myrrh.
Years ago, these products were expensive, rare and sacred. They were treasured by kings and more highly esteemed than gold. However, both frankincense and myrrh are basically tree sap. Found in east Africa, frankincense, is a sweet resin from the Boswellia sp. trees. Myrrh, which is bitter, is a resin from the African tree Commiphora abyssinica.
At the time of the three wise men and today, frankincense and myrrh are used to create incense. Myrrh is mentioned several times in the Bible in reference to Christ’s life. It is ironic that it was given to him as a birthday present and his body was anointed with 100 pounds of myrrh after his death.
The three original Christmas presents are believed to be symbolic in nature. Gold was the gift fit for a king. Frankincense was burnt in worship of God. Myrrh was symbolic of Jesus’ human side, because it was used to bury the dead.
Modern horticultural gifts can also be symbolic. Plants may symbolize life, birth, serenity, peace or strength. A vermiculture kit (worm composting) may symbolize a conviction to healing mother earth, a recycling spirit or a person’s position in a family’s hierarchy.
Other horticultural gifts (and their symbolism) may include a wheelbarrow (load carrier or person needing assistance), magazines (demonstrating a wealth of ideas and images), hand lotion (recognition of the burden of manual labor), or a bottle of wine/blackberry juice (celebration of the bounties we enjoy). A more direct use of symbols may include gifts like a load of horse manure, dust mask, foam handled shovel, picture of a dandelion or fluffy cushion for a lawn mower seat.
Horticultural gifts can be symbolic and send a message. Since our Christmas gifts are not recorded for future generations, they may be simply – gifts. They primarily symbolize our affection for another person. They are generally horticultural in nature because it is the wish of the person receiving the gift.
More info about frankincense and myrrh can be found on the internet at http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/500-599/nb548.htm For vermiculture info visit http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/vermicomposting/vermiculture/ If you don’t have internet access, call the Extension Office at 893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org
A load of horse, chicken or turkey manure is always welcome at my house. My frankincense will drown out the smell. Have a Merry Christmas!
Gary L. Pierce
Horticulture Extension Agent
Harnett County | 
