POISETTIA AT CHRISTMAS TIME

Christmas Poinsettia

Our neighbor Debbie brought us a Poinsettia for Christmas. We are so blessed to have such good neighbors. 

Poinsettias are a true holiday tradition.
The poinsettia is so beautiful with its deep red color. It got me to thinking. But just how did this seasonal plant become associated with Christmas?  Is it because of the deep red of the leaves?
​I decided to do a little research on poinsettias.

The Legend Of The Poinsettia

In addition to Christmas trees, poinsettias have long been used to decorate the holiday season. Also know by its Spanish name of "Fores de Noche Buena", or "flower of the holy night" and the Latin name of "Euphorbia pulcherrima", the poinsettia's beauty is almost as intriguing as some of the legends that surround it. 

Why The Association With Christmas?

Some say it's because the scarlet petal-like bracts represent the star of Bethlehem. Others believe it's more magical and involves a young Mexican girl named Pepita. The legend goes like this:
Pepita wanted more than anything to present to the Christ Child a special gift on Christmas Eve, but she had no money. Crying as she walked to church, she saw an angel who instructed her to gather weeds from the roadside and present them to the Christ Child. 
​Pepita took the angel's advice and gathered a bouquet of weeds to take to the church. Upon entering the church, she placed the weeds at the feet of the Christ Child, and suddenly, her humble weeds burst into brilliant red blooms. 

I remember this story from school. I think I was in the 3rd grade when we learned about it. I'm telling my age...that was the early 70's. 

Another Story...

Another story attributes poinsettia's popularity to Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. Ambassador Poinsett was so attracted to these crimson-leaved native Mexican plants that he transplanted some to his greenhouses in South Carolina. There, he grew and propagated them, sharing cuttings and plants with many horticultural friends. 
The date of his death, December 12th, marks National Poinsettia Day.

Poinsettia Facts And Trivia

• Poinsettias are the number one potted plant sold in the USA today, exceeding annual sales of all other potted plants combined!
• Poinsettias are not toxic to children or humans, but they should not be eaten. A child would have to consume more than 500 leaves in order to reach an unsafe level, according to the Pois index. They are, however, mildly poisonous to cats and dogs, so it's best to keep them out of their reach. 
• Poinsettias come in many colors. From the traditional red to shades of white, peach, pink, and yellow, cultivars are now available in marbled, striped and spotted tones. A seasonal variety, "Jingle Bells," with its red leaves and pink flecks is sure to gain popularity among many this holiday. 

Hope you enjoy the Poinsettia Legend as much as I have. 
Have a Blessed Christmas!

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