Poinsettias, with their bright red leaves and festive appearance, have become an essential symbol of Christmas, particularly in North America and many other countries.
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a plant native to Mexico.
Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Aztecs were already using it for several purposes
- Medicinal: the sap was used to treat fevers.
- Ornamental: the red bracts (modified leaves) were used to dye fabrics.
The Aztecs called this plant Cuetlaxochitl, meaning “scarlet flower”.
Mexican legend and Christmas
A Mexican story links the poinsettia directly to Christmas:
A poor little girl named Pepita (or, in some versions, Maria) wanted to give a gift to the Infant Jesus at Christmas Eve mass.
With nothing to offer, she gathered weeds by the side of the road and placed them before the altar with all her faith and love.
A miracle occurred: the weeds were transformed into beautiful red flowers.
Since then, poinsettias have been associated with the Christmas spirit, symbolizing purity, faith and sincere offering.
The poinsettia was introduced to the U.S. by Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico in the 1820s.Poinsett, a botanical enthusiast, brought seedlings of the flower home to South Carolina and began cultivating them.In his honor, the plant was named “poinsettia”.
December 12, the date of Poinsett's death in 1851, became National Poinsettia Day in the United States.
Christmas symbol
The star shape of the poinsettia's red bracts recalls the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to Jesus.
The bright red symbolizes the blood of Christ, while the green leaves represent hope and eternal life. Thanks to the efforts of horticultural growers, notably Paul Ecke in California in the early 20ᵉ century, the poinsettia has become the quintessential Christmas plant. Today, it is grown and offered around the world during the holidays.Thus, the poinsettia combines pre-Columbian roots, Christian legend and a history of international adoption, making it a true cultural and spiritual symbol of Christmas.
