Holly Day Wreath, by Pam Bono, at Pam Bono Designs
The ancient Celts believed that holly, with its glossy, prickly leaves of green adorned with red berries, remained green all year due to its magical properties. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, is symbolic of eternal life. Combining the symbolism of the wreath with the believed magical powers of holly, the Romans exchanged holly wreaths as gifts. Once Christianity took hold in Rome, holly wreaths became Christmas wreaths as part of holiday decorations.
The festive Holly Day Wreath quilt by Pam Bono makes a perfect table topper for Christmas, and it reminds us of a real holly wreath (but the quilt is so much softer to the touch). When you visit Pam Bono Designs, also take a look at the radiant red-and-green Remembrance Poppy Quilt, which has been officially recognized as Canada's Quilt Of Remembrance Day .
Christmas Memories, by Connie Sue Haidle, at Apple Blossom Quilts
Poinsettia is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. The child was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias.
We love the vibrant poinsettias and cactus flowers in the Christmas Memories pattern by Connie Sue Haidle. We've also been following the handwork of a master quilter (and blogger), Karen, who has just completed her magnificent Christmas Memories quilt. You can see some gorgeous photos of the finished quilt in the October post at Karen's Quilting.
Cactus Wreath, by Georgette Dell'Orco, at Cozy Quilt Designs
The Christmas cactus is a common sight in many holiday homes in North America and Europe. However, its history and origins are of more exotic and warmer climes. The tropical cactus grows between 1000 and 1700 meters above sea level in the mountains north of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It has flat green stems called cladodes, which resemble leaves, and traditionally the cactus has deep red flowers.
The Cactus Wreath Quilt Pattern by Georgette Dell'Orco combines log cabin and half-square triangle "blossoms", and is shown in the bright reds and greens of Christmas. The quilt is made with 2.5" strips, and is one of the great Strip Club Patterns at Cozy Quilt Designs.
Pomegranate and Posies, by Cheryl Almgren Taylor, in Deck the Halls: Quilts to Celebrate Christmas, at A Time To Sew Quilt Designs
In Greek mythology the pomegranate was a magical fruit, and in many cultures the pomegranate is cherished as a symbol of joyous times and good fortune. In Greek tradition, when one buys a new home, it is conventional for a house guest to bring as a first gift a pomegranate, which is placed under/near the ikonostasi (home altar) of the house, as a symbol of abundance, fertility and good luck.
"Pomegranates and Posies" by Cheryl Almgren Taylor, which is shown above, features rich red tones and greenery on a cream and gold background, giving the quilt an opulent feeling. The quilt is one of the projects in the wonderful book, Deck the Halls: Quilts to Celebrate Christmas.
Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of the artists.
