National Poinsettia Poinsettia Day

A smiling family surrounded by beautifully decorated poinsettia plants, wearing cozy holiday sweaters, in a festive living room with a lit fireplace.. — National poinsettia poinsettia day illustration

Are you ready for some holiday cheer? Well, get ready to deck the halls and spread some festive spirit because it's National Poinsettia Day! This delightful day pays homage to the stunning poinsettia plant, which has become an iconic symbol of the holiday season. So, let's unwrap the story of this vibrant plant and celebrate the beauty it brings to our lives.

When is Poinsettia Poinsettia Day?

It's national poinsettia poinsettia day on the 11th December.

A Brief History of the Poinsettia

The poinsettia, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, is native to Mexico, where it was first discovered by a botanist named Joel Poinsett in the early 19th century. Poinsett was the United States Minister to Mexico, and during a trip to the southern region of the country, he came across this stunning plant.

Fascinated by its vibrant red leaves (which are often mistaken for flowers), Poinsett decided to bring the plant back to the United States. He introduced it to his friends and botanical enthusiasts, and soon, the poinsettia started gaining popularity as a decorative plant.

Over time, the poinsettia became synonymous with Christmas, thanks to its festive colors that perfectly complement the holiday season. Its popularity soared, and today, you'll find poinsettias adorning homes, offices, and public spaces during the most wonderful time of the year.

Symbolism and Traditions

The poinsettia carries several symbolic meanings, making it even more cherished during the holiday season. Some believe that the red leaves represent the blood of Christ, while others see them as a symbol of renewal and rebirth.

In Mexico, the poinsettia is associated with the Christmas Eve celebration known as "Nochebuena." People attend midnight Mass and then gather with their loved ones to exchange gifts, share a festive meal, and enjoy the beauty of poinsettias displayed in their homes.

Today, many people continue the tradition of displaying poinsettias in their homes during the holiday season as a way to celebrate the joy and warmth of Christmas.

Fun Fact about Poinsettias

Did you know that the poinsettia's leaves are not actually flowers? They are colorful bracts, which are modified leaves. The true flowers of the poinsettia are the small, yellow buds in the center of the bracts. Nature sure knows how to pull off a stunning trick!

History behind the term 'Poinsettia Poinsettia'

1804

Early Life of Joel Poinsett

Joel Poinsett, the man behind the popular poinsettia plant, was born in 1779 in Charleston, South Carolina. He showed an early interest in botany and traveled to Europe to continue his education in medicine. While in Europe, Poinsett became fascinated with the beautiful red flowers he saw in Mexico.

1825

Discovery of the Poinsettia Plant

In 1825, Joel Poinsett, who was serving as the United States Ambassador to Mexico, discovered a vibrant red flowering plant growing wild in the southern region of Mexico. He was captivated by its striking beauty and unique appearance, and decided to bring some plants back to his greenhouse in South Carolina.

1836

Poinsettia Named in Honor of Joel Poinsett

In 1836, botanist William Hickling Prescott officially named the red flowering plant 'Euphorbia pulcherrima,' but it became better known as the 'Poinsettia' as a tribute to Joel Poinsett's efforts in introducing the plant to the United States. The name quickly caught on and became widely recognized.

1851

Poinsettia's Popularity Grows

Throughout the mid-19th century, the popularity of the Poinsettia continued to grow. It became a beloved holiday plant and was commonly used to decorate homes during Christmas. The vibrant red leaves, often mistaken as flowers, captured people's attention and became a symbol of the holiday season.

1900s

Propagation and Commercial Cultivation

In the early 1900s, techniques for propagating Poinsettias by grafting were developed, making it easier to reproduce and cultivate the plant commercially. This led to a significant increase in the availability and affordability of Poinsettias, making them even more popular as a decorative plant during the Christmas season.

1963

National Poinsettia Day

In 1963, December 12th was declared National Poinsettia Day in the United States. The date was chosen to honor Joel Poinsett's death anniversary and to celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of the Poinsettia plant. It serves as a reminder of the impact Joel Poinsett had in introducing this iconic holiday plant to the nation.

Did you know?

Fun Fact: Did you know that the poinsettia's leaves are not actually flowers? They are colorful bracts, which are modified leaves. The true flowers of the poinsettia are the small, yellow buds in the center of the bracts. Nature sure knows how to pull off a stunning trick!