20.12.2025 11:47
As preparations for the New Year continue, mistletoe flowers, which are synonymous with the holiday, are displayed in shop windows with prices ranging from 500 TL to 3,000-4,000 TL. The red color of the mistletoe symbolizes love, while the green color represents hope. İsmail Bakaç, the Branch President of the Antalya Florists' Tradesmen Chamber, stated, "According to the legend, there is a belief that if a person keeps it for a year, they will become a homeowner."
In recent years, the popularity of the kokina flower, also known as the New Year's flower, has been increasing, and this year, interest remains high. With its striking red and green colors, kokina attracts attention for both its aesthetic appearance and the meaning it carries. İsmail Bakaç, the Branch President of the Antalya Florists' Tradesmen Chamber, stated that kokina represents the hopes of the new year, saying, "The red color symbolizes love and affection, while the green color symbolizes hope. People want to decorate their homes and workplaces with these feelings as they enter the new year."
"ACCORDING TO THE RUMOR, IT MAKES YOU A HOMEOWNER"
Bakaç mentioned, "According to the rumor, there is a belief that if a person keeps it for 1 year, they will become a homeowner. Since these are shrub plants, they can be kept in any corner of the house in a place that is not too hot for 1 year without any issues," he said. Bakaç expressed that kokina consists of two different plants, stating, "Kokina is prepared by attaching red fruits to a plant from the shrub group called silcan. It is usually about 60-70 centimeters tall and is made entirely by hand."
SALES STARTED EARLY
Bakaç noted that sales started in mid-November this year, saying, "In previous years, sales began in December, but this year they started earlier. There hasn't been a significant increase in prices; they are at similar levels to last year." He emphasized that a simple bunch of kokina is sold for 500 lira, adding, "Depending on the decorations and materials added, prices can go up to 3-4 thousand lira, or even 5 thousand lira. Since it is a labor-intensive product, it becomes difficult to find as the days get closer to the holiday. A normal kokina bouquet is offered for sale starting at 500 lira," he said.