Nature on our doorsteps: The reds and greens of Christmas

The colours red and green have been associated with mid-winter since pre-Christian times.

This is because they were the colours that were most likely to be seen in nature during this bleak season.

Plants like Ivy, Holly, and Mistletoe remain green throughout the winter months, reminding us that nature has not died away completely and that we too can remain strong until springtime returns.

The red-breasted Robin has appeared on Christmas cards since early Victorian times.

This bird’s association with mid-winter is based on the fact that Robins are one of the very few birds that sing in winter.

While red is the typical colour for Poinsettia, white and pink versions also occur

Most other birds stop singing after breeding season ends in summertime.

Both male and female Robins are very territorial so they begin to sing again in autumn, just to warn others not to enter their feeding area during winter.

Today, the reds and greens of our native plants have been joined by commercially grown Christmas trees and by potted house plants such as Poinsettia and Christmas Cactus.

Poinsettia originated from Mexico, and it is grown for its combination of stunning dark green leaves and contrasting red, leaf-like bracts which look like large petals.

Santa’s red suit, of course, is the most recognisable use of this seasonal colour, although this only became widespread in the early 1900s after a popular US cola advertising campaign.