The plant’s association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico , where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or María, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar.
Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?
Joel Roberts Poinsett was a man of many talents. He was not only the first person to introduce the poinsettia to the United States, but he was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, and was also a skilled and passionate botanist who co-founded the institution that we now call the Smithsonian Institute.
Where did the tradition of poinsettias at Christmas come from?
The plant’s association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico , where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or María, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar.
Which country has a Christmas story involving poinsettias?
The poinsettia was first associated with Christmas in southern Mexico in the 1600s, when Franciscan priests used the colorful leaves and bracts to adorn extravagant nativity scenes.
Are poinsettias a Mexican tradition?
But I thought poinsettias were an American holiday symbol? Poinsettias are native to Mexico . They are also found in Central America. The first United States Minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, introduced the plant into the United States in 1825.
What does a Christmas poinsettia represent?
While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.
Why do we buy poinsettias at Christmas?
The Christmas tradition of poinsettias is inspired by Mexican folktale about a poor little girl called Pepita who had no present for the baby Jesus at a Christmas Eve service . ... For this reason, in Spanish speaking countries, Poinsettia is known as “Flores de Noche Buena” or Flowers of the holy night.
What flower represents Christmas?
Poinsettia . The most festive (and ubiquitous) flower of the holiday season is the scarlet-blooming poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).
What does a white poinsettia mean?
What Do White Poinsettias Mean? White poinsettias were once considered to be symbols of purity by the Aztecs, but now it’s now the flower for December birthdays . The poinsettia is also said to be a symbol of good cheer, success, and bring with them wishes of happiness and celebrations.
What is the lifespan of a poinsettia?
“Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years . If they’re really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years.”
Do white poinsettias turn red?
Many people wonder what makes poinsettias turn red. It is actually the plant’s leaves that provide its color through a process called photoperiodism. This process, in response to certain amounts of light or lack thereof, turns the leaves from green to red (or pink, white, and other shade variations).
Are poinsettias only for Christmas?
Other fowering plants have become part of the festive scene, but poinsettias alone remain unchallenged as the traditional flower of Christmas . ... It also is significant that the poinsettia not only is the most popular Christmas plant but also is the No. 1 flowering potted plant in the United States.
What does poinsettia plant symbolize?
We consider them a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolise good will and community spirit. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem , with the red leaves of the poinsettia symbolising the blood of Christ.
How can poinsettias be kept all year?
Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 F at night and 65 to 70 F during the day. Keep poinsettias away from cooler locations and avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50 F.
Why is the poinsettia important to Las Posadas?
Poinsettias, known as “cuetlaxóchitl” (star-flower) in the Náhuatl (Aztec) language family were held sacred by the nobility. Prized for their intense red color, a symbol of purity , poinsettias played a part in the traditional religious ceremonies.
What is the main idea of the legend of the poinsettia?
The association of the poinsettia with Christmas dates back to the 16th century with the legend of a young girl who was too poor to provide baby Jesus with a gift celebrating his birthday .
