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Backstory of Common Holiday Plants
SUMMARY: Seasonal plants are entrenched in Christian and Jewish holiday traditions with fascinating origins. Christians typically favor poinsettias, Christmas trees, holiday cactuses, mistletoe, and holly. Poinsettias, originally from Mexico, became associated with Christmas through Franciscan priests and were popularized in the U.S. by Joel Roberts Poinsett. The Christmas tree, a 16th-century German tradition symbolizing life, was likely introduced to the U.S. by German immigrants. Holiday cactuses bloom in cooler temperatures, mistletoe symbolizes good fortune and fertility in European traditions, and holly was initially used by Romans before being adopted by Christians. For Hanukkah, Jews prefer white and blue flowers like lilies, roses, orchids, and hydrangeas, with lilies representing new beginnings. Unconventional holiday plants include Wax Myrtle, used in Bayberry Candles, and the Night of Radishes in Oaxaca, which features carved tubers. Wassailing in England involves blessing apple orchards for a fruitful harvest. These traditions contribute to the rich tapestry of holiday celebrations.
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SUMMARY: August evenings in Mississippi unfold with a golden warmth that lingers, accompanied by the chirping of crickets and the hum of distant country music. Time slows on wide, weathered porches where people sip sweet tea, watch lightning bugs blink like tiny lanterns, and savor the simple comfort of shared stories. The air is thick and ripe with garden fruits, and the porch becomes a sanctuary of stillness and memory. This in-between moment, marked by fading fireflies and porch lights flickering on, feels sacred—capturing the essence of Mississippi’s slow rhythm, timeless stories, and the gentle magic of a summer night.
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SUMMARY: Summer is ending in Mississippi, marking the loss of homegrown tomatoes and watermelons. The 2025 Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley celebrates the state’s famed juicy watermelons, drawing up to 20,000 visitors each year. Recognized as a top festival in the Southeast, the carnival features delicious food like funnel cakes, live music, arts and crafts, contests, entertainment for kids, and a fireworks display. Originating during the Great Depression in 1931 to boost the local economy, the event began with overwhelming attendance. This year’s festivities start August 1 with a street dance and fireworks, followed by a parade, races, and more on August 2. More info at the Water Valley Chamber Facebook page.
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SUMMARY: Mississippi’s charm lies in its quiet strength and soulful stories—from the sunrise over cotton fields to the hum of pine trees and the comfort of a porch swing. Known for hardworking, proud people, the state is the birthplace of blues and gospel, shaping much of America’s culture. Its communities rally with kindness, respect, and close connections, while embracing both tradition and progress. From small-town festivals to innovators shaping the future, Mississippi balances resilience with growth. Its unpredictable spirit defines its dynamic people. More than a location, Mississippi is a feeling, a family, and a true home.
The post Mississippi Isn’t Just a State—It’s a State of Mind appeared first on ourmshome.com
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