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RESEARCH STUDIO

The Christmas rose blooms in the depths of winter, but behind its delicate flowers lie centuries of stories, beliefs and uses. Helleborus niger is poisonous, has a long history of medicinal use and has inspired myths and folklore across generations.

In this Collection Bites talk, you’ll take a closer look at the Christmas rose through botany, medicine and belief. Moving between European folklore and botanical science, we’ll also consider parallels with traditional Chinese medicine and the different relationships people have formed with plants and their properties.

Collection Bites is a series of talks presented by the Museum’s Visitor Team, taking place on the first Wednesday of each month. These short talks bring you up close and personal with items from our stores.