The Red of Apples, A Festive Hue of the Era

This year, as part of a special feature in a design magazine, I had the opportunity to propose a Christmas flower design for New York, USA.

Reflecting on a design that embodies New York, the traditional colors of amaryllis red and evergreen fir branches come to mind. To this, we add apples, referencing New York's iconic nickname, the Big Apple. Beyond mere imagery, apples hold a deep, intrinsic connection to Christmas when exploring American history.



Furthermore, when contemplating American Christmas design, Williamsburg is an essential element.

Colonial Williamsburg, established in 1699 as the capital of the British Colony of Virginia, and later the capital of Virginia after independence in 1776, is, in essence, the spiritual homeland of Americans.

Figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson fought for independence from Britain. After the capital moved, the area fell into disrepair. However, in the 1920s, Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, an Episcopal priest, initiated a movement to restore and reconstruct it to its 18th-century appearance. With financial support from Mr. Rockefeller, he purchased all buildings and land in the historic district. While preserving 88 structures that had survived since the 18th century, he faithfully recreated over 500 buildings that had been lost.

The beautifully restored townscape, with people dressed in period attire recreating the lifestyle of the time, transports visitors back to the 18th century.



Its Christmas decorations are adorned solely with natural materials, adhering to 18th-century customs. Alongside fir branches and holly, fruits such as apples, oranges, pomegranates, okra, and pineapples are used as decorative elements symbolizing abundance. However, the apple, a familiar fruit, is particularly symbolic.

Surely, its vibrant red color, perhaps reminiscent of a rose, would have brightly adorned the Christmas season of that era.

＜INFORMATION＞
At "FLORALUXE / New York Flower School" in Omotesando, Christmas design lessons are held daily until December 24th (Wednesday). Starting December 26th (Friday), New Year's lessons to welcome the new year will commence.

FLORALUXE / New York Flower School
4-15-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo From Red B1-B
Tel. 03-3446-3187 (Irregular holidays, by appointment)
info@floraluxe.com
(FLORALUXE) www.floraluxe.com
(School) www.nyflowerschool.com