The Symbolism and Meaning of the Star of Bethlehem Flower

The Star of Bethlehem flower, also known as Ornithogalum umbellatum, is a beautiful spring and summer blooming bulb plant that produces star-shaped white flowers on grass-like foliage. While they make lovely additions to flower beds and floral arrangements, these plants also carry rich symbolism and meaning.

Overview of the Star of Bethlehem Flower

Native to the Mediterranean region, the Star of Bethlehem grows wild across the countryside in many areas. The flowers feature six petals in a star shape, with multiple blooms clustering together on each stem. Each flower head is about the size of a thumb. The plant name comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles the biblical Star of Bethlehem that marked Jesus’ birth.

Star of Bethlehem blooms in late spring and early summer, shooting up spikes that can have anywhere from 12 to 30 flowers. The blooms open with the morning sun and close back up at night. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and moist, fertile soil. They spread rapidly and can be invasive, so growing them in containers is recommended.

Meaning and Symbolism

Due to its name and connection to Christianity. the Star of Bethlehem flower is deeply symbolic

• Purity and innocence
• Hope
• Reconciliation
• Forgiveness
• Honesty
• Holiness

The flower’s meaning and symbolism comes from its star shape and biblical legend. It is often used in religious ceremonies as a symbol of Jesus Christ. But it also works for secular occasions because of what the white color represents.

Etymological Meaning

The genus name Ornithogalum comes from the Greek words for “bird” and “milk.” This odd name refers to a long-held belief that the plants were so incredible it was as if birds produced milk. The common name references the biblical story of the Star guiding the Magi to Jesus.

According to legend, God was so moved by the star’s purpose that instead of banishing it from the earth after Jesus’ birth, he allowed it to transform into the ground-growing flower we know today. This mythological origin invests the bloom with even deeper meaning.

Symbolism of Color

Like all white flowers, the Star of Bethlehem symbolizes purity, innocence, honesty, and trust. The color white often marks major life events like weddings and baptisms. It imparts a sense of fresh beginnings and cleansing.

Beyond white, Star of Bethlehem blooms can also be yellow, orange, purple, and pink. Each color adds its own layer of meaning:

• Yellow – Joy, happiness, friendship
• Orange – Enthusiasm, creativity
• Pink – Gentleness, grace
• Purple – Royalty, admiration

Uses and Occasions

With its gorgeous star shape and symbolic meaning, the Star of Bethlehem flower has many appropriate uses:

• Weddings
• Baptisms
• Funerals
• Christmas and Easter arrangements
• Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day bouquets
• As a heartfelt romantic gift
• To decorate churches or religious events

Its message of hope, purity and innocence make it well suited for momentous life events and times of spiritual reflection. It makes a touching addition to arrangements that mark new beginnings like weddings and christenings.

Growing Your Own Star of Bethlehem Flowers

If you want to grow these special flowers yourself, be sure to give them optimal conditions. They like moist, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. Allow them ample room to spread, planting bulbs 6 inches apart. Container growing also works well to keep them contained.

Take care to keep pets away, as the bulbs and foliage contain toxic alkaloids. Choose an out of reach spot like a raised planter box. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Star of Bethlehem is winter hardy in zones 7-9. In colder climates, you can dig up bulbs in fall and store them over winter.

A Flower with Rich Meaning

With its connection to Christianity and biblical lore, the Star of Bethlehem flower has an undeniably special symbolism. Its star shape and white color lend it an air of magic and wonder. Displaying these flowers on significant spiritual occasions or during life milestones can impart a sense of hope and meaningful connection. Let the Star of Bethlehem infuse arrangements with its messages of promise and devotion.