History and Symbolism of the Poinsettia Flower

Poinsettias have been a holiday favorite for generations. The fragile flower makes perfect sense as a Christmas decoration with its tiny, yellow centers, bright red, leaf-like blooms, called bracts, and green base. But how did this semi-tropical flower make its way from the wilds of South Mexico to the hearths and tables and Americans as a Christmas favorite?

The correct botanical term for Poinsettia is Euphorbia pulcherrima. A German botanist noticed the vibrant plant pushing its way through a crack in the floor of his greenhouse and dubbed it Euphorbia pulcherrima which means beautiful. Its common name - Poinsettia - comes from Joel Robert Poinsett, who was the first United States ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett, who also founded the Smithsonian Institute, found the plants, which naturally bloom in the short days near Christmas in southern Mexico and brought them to the United States in 1825. Now, December 12 is National Poinsettia Day set aside to mark the date of Poinsett's death by enjoying these lush plants.

But the Poinsettia's history goes much farther back than Poinsett. The Aztecs used the bountiful plant when they reigned in southern Mexico to make a red dye. The white sap stored in the red bracts, which is commonly and incorrectly considered poisonous to humans, was used by the Aztecs as medicine for fevers. Also, the legendary Montezuma ordered caravans of the red and green plants delivered to Mexico City where the climate and altitudes were too high to grow the plants.

Mexican legend surround the Poinsettia which is known there as Flores de Noche Buena - Flowers of the Holy Night. In the Mexican Christmas tradition, a young girl wished to present a present to baby Jesus, but had no money. The girl, Pepita, could only pick weeds along the road as she went to visit the Christ child. But as she neared the alter in the church to present her Christmas gift, the simple weeds suddenly transformed into the vibrant, beautiful Flores de Noche Buena. It is also known as the Mexican Flame Leaf and the Winter Rose.

Mexicans also view the Poinsettia as a symbol of the holy Star of Bethlehem. In the Christian tradition, the Star of Bethlehem led the Magi many miles across the desert on their journey to visit the Christ child. It also announced the holy birth to the shepherd and others. The yellow flowers at the center are surrounded by the brilliant red bracts, or modified leaves, and resemble large stars.

Poinsettias represent different symbols to different cultures. The Aztecs originally considered them symbols of purity, the Mexican people later viewed them as the holy star, and modern symbolism for the plant includes a wish for good cheer, success and celebration. Poinsettias are the birth flower for December babies and also come in white and pink varieties.