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 .
When did the poinsettia become associated with Christmas?
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.
What does the poinsettia symbolize in the US?
What is the meaning of poinsettias? ... 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.
Where does the poinsettia flower come from and what does it symbolize?
Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus’s crucifixion .
What does a white poinsettia represent?
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 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 .
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.”
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.
How do you take care of a poinsettia after Christmas?
Place your poinsettias where they will receive at least 6 hours of indirect, but bright, sunlight each day . In mid-April pinch back the stems to 6-8 inches and place the plants in a sunny location. When new growth begins, you may use a liquid fertilizer to ensure the plants get enough minerals, especially calcium.
Why do we give poinsettias at Christmas?
From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the ‘Flores de Noche Buena’, or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’. The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ .
Do poinsettias like sun or shade?
Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day . 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.
How do you get a poinsettia to rebloom?
To coax a poinsettia plant to bloom again, it’s necessary to repeat the poinsettia life cycle . After the holidays and once blooming has ceased, limit the amount of watering so the plant can go dormant until spring. Then, usually around March or April, regular watering can be resumed and fertilizing can begin.
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.
Are poinsettia plants are poisonous to humans?
Poinsettia plants are less toxic than once believed . In most cases, poinsettia exposure causes only discomfort, including: A mild, itchy rash. Skin contact with the sap of a poinsettia plant can cause a rash.
Where Are poinsettias originally from?
The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. In 1828, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Doctor Joel Poinsett, sent a clipping of the plant back to home in South Carolina.
Who is the main character of the legend of poinsettia?
Poinsettia Legend
The narrator is Tomie dePaola .
