National Poinsettia Day Honors Winter’s Fiery Flowering Plant and Its Festive Nuances

Each year on December 12th, the National Poinsettia Day is observed. It is a day that shines the limelight on the vibrant Euphorbia pulcherrima, a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, which is synonymous with a fieriness that adds a festive cheer to the winter month's holidays. For this reason, in many homes, you’ll hardly miss the bright red of the Poinsettia plant during the Xmas festivities—after all, it is one of the most popular Christmas plants. Still, far from being merely a decorative element, the Poinsettia boasts a rich history, diverse varieties, and a fascinating nomenclature, all contributing to its long-term popularity as a common festive plant across the world. 

Origins and Botanical History of Poinsettias

Poinsettia's story takes one back, many years ago in the tropical regions of southern Mexico and Central America where its history is intertwined in a combination of legend, politics, as well as the efforts of a much-loved ambassador later on in the subsequent years.

Long before European contact, the Aztecs cultivated this lively plant, using it not only for its vibrant color but also for its medicinal properties. They called it 'La Cuetlaxochitl', a name derived from their Nahuatl language. The Nahuatl word 'Cuetlaxochitl' generally means 'mortal flower that withers'.

The plant, which mainly flourished in the Taxco del Alarcon region of southern Mexico, was used by the Aztecs for both the extraction of a purplish dye from its bracts for use in textiles and cosmetics, and for the milky white sap, known as latex nowadays, which was made into a mixture used for medicinal purposes mainly to treat fevers. Symbolically, the red flame-like Cuetlaxóchitl, also, bloomed during the winter solstice and signaled the start of a new cycle of life. 

From the outside world, the plant was first discovered by the Spanish missionary named Jósef Rouméu in the 16th century, who noted its brilliant red 'flowers'—which are actually modified leaves called bracts—and brought it back to Europe. 

But, it wasn't until the 19th century that the Poinsettia gained widespread popularity. Its journey to becoming a popular holiday symbol began with Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851), the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett, then an amateur botanist, was enthralled by the brilliant red blooms he saw while visiting the Taxco area in 1828. He sent some of the plants back to his plantations in South Carolina, where he began propagating them in a greenhouse and sending them to friends, botanical gardens, and nurseries.

This introduction marked a key moment in Poinsettia's journey from a relatively unknown tropical species to a universally recognized symbol of the Christmas holiday season. But these plants became even more popular as Christmas plants in the North American region thanks to the Ecke family. German immigrant Albert Ecke began cultivating Poinsettias in 1909 and in the 1960s, his grandson Paul Ecke Jr. sent free Poinsettia plants to television networks from Thanksgiving to Christmas as a marketing stunt, which resulted in them becoming popular as Christmas decorations.

The Nomenclature and Taxonomy of the Poinsettia

The first part of the scientific name of the Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, is derived from the Greek name Eupohorbus, which honors Euphorbus, the physician to King Juba II the client king of the ancient North African states of Numidia and Mauretania. The name refers to the milky sap that the Euphorbia plants emit, which was historically used by herdsmen to treat wounds and other ailments. 

The specific epithet 'pulcherrima' means 'most beautiful' in Latin, a nod to the plant's vibrant and eye-catching appearance. It is a fitting descriptor for this arresting plant. The common name, 'Poinsettia', is a direct tribute to Joel Roberts Poinsett, and it was first used around 1836. Before this, the plant was simply known as the 'Mexican flame flower' or the 'painted leaf' in different circles.

Poinsettias Come in Different Shades and Varieties

While the traditional image of a Poinsettia usually conjures up visions of deep crimson bracts, modern horticulture has produced more varieties in different colors. Over the years, breeders have developed a wide array of Poinsettia varieties that offer a diverse color palette and forms.

While the classic red Poinsettia remains the most popular, there are now numerous cultivars that showcase a stunning array of hues. There are the classic red Poinsettias that are most widely recognized. The color ranges from deep crimson to bright scarlet. There, are also Poinsettias with pure white bracts that offer a clean and elegant alternative to the traditional red during the festivities.

Poinsettias, likewise, come in various shades of pink, from pale blush to deep rose, adding a softer touch to the setting, as well as variegated bracts, exhibiting combinations of colors like red and white or pink and white. Similarly, they also come in a golden yellow color that brings a sunny disposition to the festive season. Poinsettias with vibrant orange bracts are, also, available and offer a warm and cheerful alternative. Then, there are Poinsettias with two distinct colors on the same bract. 

Peach, creamy white, purple, blue, and magenta are also other colors in which Poinsettias are available. The latter three, definitely, create quite a stunning visual effect due to the rarity of these colors in the plant kingdom. From deep red to pink, and white and many others, you could choose any of these exquisite colors to invest in your Poinsettia.

The Story of National Poinsettia Day

National Poinsettia Day is observed on December 12 each year and was established to honor Joel Roberts Poinsett and encourage people to appreciate the beauty of this popular holiday plant. The day coincides with—and therefore commemorates—the anniversary of Poinsett's death in 1851. In the subsequent years, it has been a holiday celebrated by an ever-increasing number of Poinsettia lovers.

The observance of National Poinsettia Day largely creates awareness and appreciation for this beloved holiday plant. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the plant's cultural significance, its importance in the floral industry, and its ability to add merriment and the spirit of festivity to homes during the winter season.

Celebrating This Fiery Festive Flower

The importance of National Poinsettia Day lies in its multilayered impact. It celebrates the Poinsettia's iconic status as a loved holiday plant and its vibrant colors which add warmth and festivity to winter celebrations. The day, also, presents an opportunity to acknowledge Poinsett's legacy and promote awareness of the Poinsettia's botanical characteristics and diverse varieties. It encourages appreciation for this plant’s importance in horticulture and the festive season and builds a sense of community through shared festive traditions.

Observing National Poinsettia Day is simple. The most forthright way is to bring the festive spirit into the home by acquiring a Poinsettia plant. One can choose from the myriad colors and varieties available—from classic red to vibrant pink, white, or even marbled hues—and have them prominently displayed in their homes or other spaces.

There is, also, the option to visit local nurseries, greenhouses, or botanical gardens to admire the wide variety of Poinsettia cultivars available as well as support local Poinsettia growers and vendors by purchasing plants directly from them. This, could, likewise, extend to participating in community events or plant exchanges centered around Poinsettias.

One could, also, share their Poinsettia with loved ones, gifting them a piece of the holiday cheer, and engaging with the online community by sharing photos of their Poinsettias on social media. In addition to these, one can also learn more about the plant's history and cultivation, deepening their appreciation for this remarkable plant.

Legend of Pepita and the Poinsettia, and This Plant’s Christmas Festivity Nuances

The Poinsettia is mainly associated with Christmas. This association is tied to a Mexican legend about a young girl named Pepita who, unable to afford a gift for the Christ Child, gathered common weeds to offer. As she approached the altar, the weeds transformed into beautiful red stars, and ever since, the bright red flowers have been known as the 'Flores de Noche Buena' or 'Flowers of the Holy Night'.

The Poinsettia, as a result, became an iconic symbol of the holiday season. It, basically adds a festive flair to the celebrations. Its, often, bright red and green colors are synonymous with Christmas, and its star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Also, its association with the winter holiday season is linked to the striking red and green color scheme, which perfectly complements the traditional decorations and themes of the season. These bold and vibrant bracts are, indeed, a quintessential symbol of the holiday spirit, ideal for adorning homes, offices, churches, and public spaces.

The Poinsettia also holds a special significance in various cultural and religious traditions. In Mexico, the Poinsettia is closely tied to the celebration of Christmas. In the United States, and many regions elsewhere across the globe, the Poinsettia is also a staple of holiday decor with millions of these plants sold each year to adorn homes, businesses, and community spaces.

What is more, the plant's vibrant hues and elegant forms make it a popular choice for winter-themed events. From winter-themed weddings and corporate functions to charity galas and community celebrations, the Poinsettia's ability to add a touch of fiery warmth, beauty, and festivity to any setting makes it an indispensable part of the winter holiday season. These, and many other reasons, are why this National Poinsettia Day, and for the festive holiday season, you should bring a Poinsettia into your home.

Feature image by Charlotte Cowell, header image by JillWellington.