December’s birthstone is turquoise and its birth flower is narcissus. Turquoise is a popular gemstone that has been prized for thousands of years due to its striking blue-green color. The December narcissus is also known as the paperwhite narcissus, which blooms in winter with clusters of fragrant, white blossoms. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history, meaning, and facts about December’s turquoise birthstone and narcissus birth flower.
The History and Lore of December’s Birthstone: Turquoise
Turquoise has been mined and prized for over 6,000 years. Some of the earliest known turquoise jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 BCE. The ancient Egyptians called turquoise mefkat, meaning “joy” and “delight.” It was considered a symbol of status and prosperity. Turquoise was also popular in ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Persian turquoise from Iran was traded extensively during the 13th century BCE. This vivid “Persian blue” turquoise remains some of the most coveted even today.
The Aztecs were also great fans of turquoise, using it extensively in their elaborate mosaic art and jewelry. When the Spaniards arrived in the New World, they were amazed by Aztec royalty decked in turquoise finery. Turquoise had great intrinsic value as well as ceremonial significance to many Native American tribes across North America. It is still considered a sacred and spiritual stone by many Native Americans today. The Southwest Native American tribes, including the Navajo and Zuni, have continued using turquoise as adornment. They often associate turquoise with the life-bringing blessings of rain.
Historically, turquoise was also popular with rulers in both Asia and Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Turquoise jewelry became fashionable in England during the Victorian era. Egyptians, Persians, Aztecs, Chinese, and many other ancient peoples believed turquoise had protective and healing properties. It was thought to bring good fortune, success, and even lend protection from evil forces. This exotic import from the East was therefore highly desirable. Various cultures also associated the brilliant blue shades of turquoise with the heavens, believing it brought good tidings from the sky.
Today, turquoise remains a very popular December birthstone, with its striking color and many positive cultural associations built up over centuries. The finest turquoise exhibits a pure sky blue or sea green color. This gem comes in many shades, from sky blue to blue-green to green and yellow-green. High quality turquoise is fairly rare and valuable. But this unusual, colorful gem is treasured as a birthstone because of its long cultural heritage and unique beauty.
The History and Significance of December’s Birth Flower: The Narcissus
The narcissus plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has a rich history dating back to ancient Greek mythology. There are many varieties of narcissus flowers, but the most common one associated with December is the paperwhite narcissus. With its clusters of small, white blossoms set against lush green foliage, the paperwhite narcissus has long served as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.
In ancient Greek myth, there is a tragic story of a beautiful young man named Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He became so obsessed that he eventually wasted away and turned into the narcissus flower. Despite its ties to this myth about vanity, the narcissus flower actually symbolizes traits like grace, modesty, and caring for others in the Victorian Language of Flowers. The Greek poet Pindar wrote that the narcissus has a “splendorous flower of a hundred petals.”
The ancient Egyptians also saw the paperwhite narcissus as representing renewal and rebirth because of how it blooms around the winter solstice season. The Egyptians associated the narcissus with their gods and planted paperwhite bulbs along the Nile. In fact, the paperwhite narcissus bulb was one of the first flowers ever force-grown as early as 2,500 years ago in ancient Egypt. Paperwhites were brought indoors and cultivated in containers to bloom in winter.
The narcissus grows wild in many parts of Europe and became naturalized in North America after being brought over by early settlers. The paperwhite narcissus remains a favorite for winter flower arrangements and holidays due to its delicate beauty and sweet fragrance that blooms when little else does in nature. Although all narcissus varieties flower in winter to early spring, the paperwhite’s white blossoms are especially linked to December. The paperwhite narcissus makes a lovely December birth flower with its hopeful symbolism of rebirth.
December Birthstone: Turquoise Meaning and Symbolic Associations
What does the December birthstone turquoise represent? Here are some of the common symbolic meanings and associations with turquoise:
– Protection and good fortune: Historically, many cultures believed turquoise had protective powers to ward off harm and bring good luck. Ancient Egyptians thought it blessed the wearer with life and health.
– Healing: The blue and green hues of turquoise have a soothing quality that is associated with healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Turquoise is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and detoxification effects.
– Communication and friendship: The color turquoise represents clear communication, trust, openness, and friendship. It boosts confidence in self-expression.
– Wisdom and truth: Turquoise also represents wisdom, intuition, and accessing deeper truths. Its sky blue shades evoke feeling more connected with spiritual realms.
– Calmness and balance: The turquoise gemstone promotes inner calm, balance, and emotional strength when dealing with life’s stresses. Wearing turquoise is believed to stabilize mood swings.
– Courage: For many cultures, turquoise represents courage, resilience, and overcoming life’s challenges. Apache Indian warriors attached turquoise to their bows to ensure accurate aim.
– Unity with nature: Turquoise unites the sky and sea, evoking themes of unity with natural forces and our environment. It heightens our awareness and appreciation of life.
– Creativity: As an inspirationally colored December birthstone, turquoise stimulates creativity, imagination, and adaptive innovation. It aids in problem-solving.
– Romance and devotion: In folklore, turquoise represents romance, affection, sensuality, and hopefulness about relationships. It’s historically been given as a gift promising love and fidelity.
So in summary, the rich blue turquoise gem epitomizes magic, protection, wisdom, and good fortune. It has been a prized adornment for thousands of years across many cultures. With its many positive attributes, it’s clear why turquoise has endured as the December birthstone.
December Birth Flower: Meaning and Symbolism of the Narcissus
What is the meaning and symbolism behind the December birth flower, the narcissus? Here are some of the common symbolic associations with the narcissus flower:
– Rebirth and renewal: The December-blooming narcissus represents rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. Its timely winter flowering is a sign of nature’s continuity.
– Purity and grace: The elegant, white blossoms of the paperwhite narcissus denote purity, innocence, and quiet grace.
– Sweetness and kindness: The delicate beauty and gentle fragrance represent sweetness, compassion, and care for others.
– Optimism and hope: The narcissus symbolizes hope, optimism, and resiliency during times of darkness and adversity.
– Self-reflection: In the Greek myth, Narcissus represents consequences of excessive pride and poor self-awareness. The flower encourages honest self-reflection.
– Longevity of bonds: In the Victorian language of flowers, narcissus signifies staying power, commitment, and longevity of bonds.
– Feminine divine: Associated with water and the moon, the narcissus flower represents feminine beauty, intuition, and connection to divine nature.
– Good wishes: White flowers like the paperwhite narcissus express good wishes for the future and celebrate new life phases.
In December, the narcissus blooms when most other vegetation lies dormant. This symbolism of germinating life energy makes it the perfect flower for winter solstice holidays and December births. The narcissus carries connotations of happiness, rejuvenation, and the return of light after the darkness. With its uplifting symbolism, it’s clear why the narcissus is an apt December birth flower.
December Birthstone: Facts and Information About Turquoise
Here are some key facts and information about turquoise, the December birthstone:
– Chemical composition: Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum
– Color range: Various shades of blue, blue-green, green
– Hardness on Mohs scale: 5 to 6
– Stone varieties: Natural turquoise, reconstituted turquoise, imitation turquoise
– Key sources: Iran, Egypt, Southwestern United States, China
– Texture: Opaque with a waxy to dull luster
– Formation process: Formed in igneous rock, absorbs copper and water
– Rarity: High quality natural turquoise is very rare
– Durability: Tough but fragile, susceptible to cracks and discoloring
– Care tips: Avoid chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners
– Enhancements: Waxing and impregnation commonly used to improve color
– Price range: From $5 to over $1000 per carat for high quality stones
– Jewelry uses: Earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, hair accessories
– Astrological sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
– Anniversary gift: 11th wedding anniversary
Turquoise has been prized across the globe for thousands of years. With its striking blue-green shades and cultural significance, quality turquoise is a highly valued December birthstone. Natural untreated turquoise is becoming increasingly rare. Many turquoise stones today are color enhanced or have been stabilized to improve their durability. But the iconic color and lore surrounding turquoise ensures it remains a beloved December birthstone.
| Type | Price Range Per Carat | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Natural turquoise | $40 – $1000+ | Most valuable and scarce. Natural variations in color and matrix. |
| Reconstituted turquoise | $5 – $50 | Turquoise powder compressed with resin. More consistent coloring. |
| Stabilized turquoise | $20 – $100 | Natural turquoise treated with resin to improve durability. Still somewhat porous. |
| Dyed turquoise | $5 – $20 | Lower quality stones with artificial dye injected to alter color. |
| Imitation turquoise | $1 – $10 | Synthetic stones made of plastic, glass, or other materials to mimic turquoise. |
There is a wide range in quality and price for turquoise gemstones. Natural high grade turquoise is the most precious and expensive, while lower quality enhanced turquoise or simulants are affordable options.
December Birth Flower: Facts About the Paperwhite Narcissus
Here are some interesting facts about the December birth flower, the paperwhite narcissus:
– Botanical name: Narcissus papyraceus
– Plant type: Bulbous perennial, part of Amaryllidaceae family
– Native region: Mediterranean region, Canary Islands, North Africa
– Flowering season: Late fall to early spring
– Colors and shape: Clusters of small, white star-shaped blossoms
– Scent: Fragrant, sweet scent
– Height: 10 to 18 inches tall
– Foliage: Blue-green slender leaves
– Growing conditions: Hardy in zones 8-10, often grown as potted plant
– Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
– Watering needs: Moderate watering, soil should not be soggy
– Propagation: Bulb division and offsets
– Uses: Cut flowers, fragrant decoration, forced indoor blooming
– Gift meanings: New beginnings, rebirth, sweetness, compassion
The paperwhite narcissus bulb grows wild in many mild climates, but also thrives as a potted plant. It is one of the easiest bulbs to force indoors, requiring no chilling period before blooming. The delicate paperwhite narcissus provides cheerful white blossoms and a sweet scent during the darkest days of winter, making it a treasured December birth flower.
How to Care for Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise jewelry is delicate and requires some special care. Here are some tips for keeping your December birthstone turquoise looking its best:
– Protect from impact. Avoid bumping or banging turquoise jewelry, as the stones can crack.
– Store properly. Keep turquoise in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratching. Avoid wool or other fabrics that can abrade the surface.
– Take off for tasks. Turquoise jewelry is fragile. Remove it before doing household chores, exercising, sleeping, etc.
– Avoid water exposure. Do not wash turquoise jewelry in water or leave it in the bathroom during steamy showers. Even stabilized turquoise can discolor.
– Watch chemicals. Hairspray, perfume, lotions, and cleaners can damage or discolor the stones. Apply beauty products before donning turquoise.
– No ultrasonic or steam cleaners. The intense vibrations and moisture can damage the integrity of turquoise.
– Clean with a soft damp cloth. Gently rub to remove dirt and oils. Dry immediately with soft lint-free cloth.
– Keep away from sunlight. Prolonged UV light exposure can cause turquoise to fade over time.
– Check for loose settings. Visit your jeweler periodically to tighten any prongs and ensure secure settings.
With some basic care, your special turquoise keepsakes can last a lifetime and beyond as heirlooms. Always check with your jeweler for specific advice about caring for your turquoise jewelry. Be sure to remove the pieces before rigorous activities, bathing, or cleaning to prevent damage.
December Birth Flower: How to Grow Paperwhite Narcissus
Looking to grow paperwhite narcissus bulbs, the December birth flower, for winter blooms indoors? Here are some tips:
Supplies needed:
– Paperwhite narcissus bulbs
– Container with drainage holes
– Soilless potting mix
– Pebbles or glass beads (optional topper)
Planting steps:
1. Fill container with potting mix, leaving 1-2 inches at top.
2. Place bulbs pointed side up atop soil, about 2 inches apart.
3. Cover bulbs lightly with more mix if needed, leaving tips exposed.
4. Water thoroughly until it drips from the bottom.
5. Place pot in a bright, 60-65°F spot.
6. For decorative effect, top with pebbles or beads.
7. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
8. Enjoy fragrant blooms in 4-6 weeks!
For a continuous display, plant new bulbs every 2-3 weeks. Paperwhites also make cheerful holiday gifts and centerpieces. With minimal care, anyone can enjoy these delicate winter-blooming flowers.
Conclusion
December’s birthstone turquoise and narcissus birth flower have delightful histories and symbolism. The striking blue turquoise gemstone has been prized globally across many cultures for thousands of years. It represents wisdom, protection, and good fortune. The delicate white paperwhite narcissus blooms in winter with a hopeful message of renewal and optimism. With their beautiful colors and uplifting meanings, turquoise and narcissus flowers are the perfect birthstones for December. Whether displayed in jewelry or floral arrangements, these December birth emblems are sure to delight. They make meaningful holiday gifts for those born in the last month of the year.
