The poinsettia is a beautiful plant that is iconic for Christmas holiday decorating. I was curious to find out why this flower has become a household staple across the world–so I did a little digging. According to Wikipedia, these plants are native to Mexico and Guatemala and were known as the “Mexican flame flower” or “painted leaf”. Then around 1836, the shrubs became known as the poinsettia, an eponym from an American botanist named Joel Roberts Poinsett. Poinsett was also the first U.S. Minister to Mexico and introduced the poinsettia plant to the U.S. in the 1920s.
So, when did the use of the poinsettia as Christmas holiday décor begin? Perhaps it’s attributed to an old Mexican legend dating back to the 16th century. According to legend, and I found a few variations*, it is about a poor girl named Pepita, who is sorrowfully on her way to church because she didn’t have a gift to present to Jesus on Christmas Eve. Pepita’s cousin Pedro, tells her that even the humblest of gifts–if given with love, would be acceptable in His eyes. She then gathers some weeds found along the roadside and makes a bouquet. She sadly enters the chapel, but her spirits get lifted as she approaches the altar because she remembers Pedro’s encouraging words. Then as she lays the weeds at the feet of the Christ Child at the Nativity, the weeds miraculously bloom and are instantly brilliantly crimson. This event became known as Flores de Noche Buena, meaning Christmas Eve Flower.
Also, there is some symbolism attributed to the star-shaped leaf being parallel to the Star of Bethlehem, and the color red represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Well, I’m certainly glad I decided to investigate the background of the poinsettia plant. I’ve learned some of the reasons we use it around Christmas time and an interesting legend behind it. They are simply beautiful. Okay, I’m ready to present my poinsettia arrangement project now.
