Poinsettia – origin
Although native to Central and South America, where it is scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, the poinsettia is one of the four flowering plants used during Christmas celebrations.
The Aztecs revered this plant as a symbol of purity and also used it to produce a red dye. The first Christians in Mexico began to incorporate it into their Christmas decorations in the 16th century. Known as “Noche Buena“, or “Good/Beautiful Night” in Mexican, it has a special significance.
Legend has it that a young girl, desperate because she could not offer a gift for the Nativity celebration, received a visit from an angel who guided her to a red shrub from which she picked branches to place in front of the altar.
The shrub’s star-shaped ‘flowers’ evoked the Star of Bethlehem, and their bright red colour the blood of Christ!
Poinsettia, a favourite plant for Christmas
Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first American diplomat sent to Mexico, gave his name to the plant he introduced to his country in the early 19th century.
Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia does not flower in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, it produces new colored leaves, or bracts. These bracts come in a variety of vibrant hues, including classic bright red, pink, orange, green, cream green, and even white when the plant is left in darkness for a few days.
In France, the poinsettia is a very popular plant and widely used for Christmas decorations. However, due to the climate, it is mainly found in pots, with outdoor cultivation limited to certain regions, such as the south of France.
Other Christmas plants popular in France include the ivy, the mistletoe and the holly.
