Ezra Mugridge, Freshman
We are all aware of the poinsettia—the red flower that is a popular decoration during the Christmas season. However, the poinsettia actually has its own holiday! On December 12 it is National Poinsettia Day across America, in which everyone puts up Poinsettias around their households. While many may not know this, there's actually some history behind the red flower. For example, it wasn’t always called the poinsettia. And, it didn’t originate in America.
The poinsettia originally came from the Aztecs. King Montezuma treated the flower as a gift from the gods, decorating his palace with hundreds of Cuetlaxochitl, which was the original name the poinsettia was given. But in the 17th century after the Conquistadors invaded Mexico, the Poinsettia became a part of Christian tradition. Legends were born about why “La flor de Nochebuena,” meaning Holy Night, had gained its bright and beautiful red color.
In 1828, the flower was rediscovered and brought to America by Joel Roberts Poinsett. It was then that the poinsettia became a popular specimen among botanists. Later in 1833, a botanist named Wilenow named the Poinsettia “Euporbia pulcherrima.” However, after only four years, a different botanist named William Hickling Prescott decided to rename the flower “Poinsettia pulcherrima” in honor of the man who brought the flower back from Mexico to be studied, Joel Poinsett. Poinsett was also the first Ambassador to Mexico.
Poinsettias bloom in December, so it was only natural for it to be a Christmas plant. Poinsett grew the plants in Greenville, S.C at his plantation. He then gave out the plant to his friends as gifts. Poinsettias are the largest flowering plant crop in the US with sales of over 63 million pots. They are often called Christmas plants, and in Chile and Peru, “Crown of the Andes.” Despite blooming in December, poinsettias are susceptible to the cold, so don’t leave them outside when you bring them home during the holiday season.
To celebrate National Poinsettia Day, simply put up Poinsettias around your house to give it the holiday glow it needs. You could also remind friends and family about the history of the poinsettia and how it came to be as popular on Christmas as a pumpkin is on Halloween. Decorate, celebrate, and have a season that’s merry and great!
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