The Mexican poinsettias are usually bright red. Two young children didn’t have the money to bring a gift to church on Christmas Eve, so they picked some weeds. You can find other species in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and many different areas where there’s a … Before delving into its history and spiritual meaning, let's examine a bit of poinsettia trivia: ... ~The poinsettia is the most popular holiday flower being first sold in the United States in 1850. Tag: I know I don't need one, but it sure would make me happy." Surprisingly, there is a beautiful story behind this plant that points to a deeper spiritual reality. Meaning has been attributed to flowers for centuries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Meaning of Poinsettias. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it’s known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower. The white leaves represent His purity. Poinsettia Symbolism & Meanings. Everything has some level of symbolic meanings attached to it. As you can imagine, these numbers represent a lot of work. Poinsettia biology. Tulip. Poinsettias are one of the most popular plants during the Christmas season and can often be seen filling the sanctuary of churches everywhere. The symbolism of the poinsettia goes much deeper than simply adding color to Christmas time. Poinsettias: The Christmas Eve Flower. is a physical scientist at EPA’s Division of Enforcement of Compliance Assistance. If you are a fan of the poinsettia, it is important to understand all about it, how it grows, where it grows, and what the uses are. But it was in the 16th century that the Franciscan Monks in Mexico began the tradition of using poinsettias for Christmas decorations. christmas Poinsettias from God By Twila Belk Guest Writer. According to the legend on Christmas morning, the leaves of their poinsettia had turned into a bright red color. Surprisingly, there is a beautiful story behind this plant that points to a deeper spiritual reality. How beautiful is the view of poinsettias as a seasonal arrangement in our homes! Poinsettias are also known as the Christmas flower and Mexican flame leaf. Flowers and their meanings are best described in floriography, which deals with the language of flowers. Believe it or not they love to grow in tropical rain forests. After she placed them in front of the manger the weeds transformed into a beautiful red poinsettia and were later known as “Flowers of the Holy Night.”. Surprisingly, there is a beautiful story behind this plant that points to a deeper spiritual reality. It stands for a symbol of joy, protection, motherhood and more. We can receive a message in this way either when we encounter a flower on the physical plane, or when we encounter a flower on the spirit plane, in our 'dreams'. Since then it has become a staple of Christmas decorations both in churches and homes. The Aztecs called the plant “ CUITLAXOCHITL” that means ”Star Flower” and back then the plant was given the scientific name “Euphorbia pulcherrima” which means “ the most beautiful”. Perhaps the most well known symbolic flower is the poinsettia. In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower. Poinsettia, a favourite plant for Christmas. Franciscan friars in Mexico began using the poinsettias in Nativity processions and over time the plant was introduced into the United States. Centuries later, the early Christian of Mexico adopted the plant as their prized Christmas Eve flower. CBN.com – (Excerpted from: Christmas Miracles) "Lord, I'd really like to have a poinsettia for Christmas. What is the meaning of poinsettias to you? Native to the southern Mexico region of Taxco del Alarcon, the earliest known facts about poinsettias indicate that ancient Aztecs used the leaves to make dyes for clothes and cosmetics and used the sap to treat fevers. Poinsettias originally came from Mexico and Central America. It remained in relative obscurity until Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced it to the United States. I prayed that prayer without telling anyone, knowing that the only way I'd get a poinsettia was through God's provision. The common name “poinsettia” was first used in the early 1800s, with the name derived from that of Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and the first US Minister to Mexico. Flowers, similar to colours are often used to convey a message, or to deliver a warning to us. The colorful part of the poinsettia that we enjoy isn't a flower. Actually, there are a few different places you can find the poinsettia. Learn about this versatile plant meaning and the legends that connect it to Christmas. In nature, the lengthening nights of late September and October trigger poinsettias to flower, Trinklein said. All About the Poinsettia Flower There are many people that absolutely love the Poinsettia, especially around Christmas time. The Aztecs called the poinsettia Cuetlaxochitl which means “flower with leather petals”. In the years since Poinsett brought the plants to the United States, poinsettias became known for their symbolism … The Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. She approached the nativity scene, slightly embarrassed, but confident that she was giving Jesus the best that she could give. .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Philip Kosloski - @media screen and (max-width:767px){.css-ij9gf6 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-ij9gf6 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 12/11/17. Poinsettia Christmas Flower Meanings and Symbolism. The star shape of the flowers is said to represent the Star of Bethlehem, and the red petals stand for Jesus’ blood. The poinsettia is associated with mirth, happiness and celebration. EPA's official web site is www.epa.gov. What is a poinsettia. 6 Questions to determine if your heart is har... © Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. That is why it is so easy to find this plant here in US during winter season. In the 17 Century, Mexicans celebrated the Day of the Lady of Guadalupe also on December 12 and they call the poinsettia the” Flower of Christmas Eve “. The poinsettia doesn't really bloom. By assigning symbolic meanings to various flowers, floriography can be thought of as a cryptic way of communication through flowers. Poinsettia is a short-day plant, meaning it needs long periods of uninterrupted darkness each day in order to bloom. The story of the poinsettia meaning is steeped in Mexican legend. The symbolic language of flowers has been recognized for centuries in many countries throughout Europe and Asia. You may also see it written as La Flor de la Nochebuena, which means Flower of Christmas Eve. The flowers are often associated with insincerity, and have the ability to evoke meanings that can both hurt and heal. In addition to decorating your home with a poinsettia, you can send them as a gift when ordering flowers Malta and worldwide. Poinsettias are one of the most popular plants during the Christmas season and can often be seen filling the sanctuary of churches everywhere. However, do you know why? In doing so, EPA is directing you only to the specific content referenced at the time of publication, not to any other content that may appear on the same webpage or elsewhere on the third-party site, or be added at a later date. Poinsettia flower meanings are as diverse in symbolism as the plant itself. But the first references to this plant go way back to the times of Aztec emperor Montezuma who in the 15 Century demanded that Poinsenttias be brought to the City of Mexico from lower lands in Mexico. Growing the Poinsettia Plant . In Guatemala and Mexico, poinsettias are called La Flor de Nochebuena – Flower of the Holy Night. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season. Unsurprisingly, this flower has quite a bit of symbolism. This introduction forever changed the way we think about Poinsettias, not only in … Several links below exit EPA . The colorful part of the poinsettia isn’t a flower. A universal symbol of love, the rose is a sacramental bloom. The views expressed here are intended to explain EPA policy. The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves resemble the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. This is a beautiful plant that has a lot of meaning to it. The popularity of roses has led to many different varietals, hybrids and colors. In USA, the U.S. House of Representative proclaimed in July 2002 “Poinsettia Day” in honor of Paul Ecke Jr who in 1900 discovered a technique that allows the reproduction in mass through poinsettia seeds. They even play a large role in William Shakespeare’s works. It only takes a minute. Symbolic Poinsettia Flower Meanings. Today, the common name for this plant is the poinsettia! There is a legendary Mexican story from the 17th century about this plant that connects it to Christmas. ). Its presence can add majesty to any ritual. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of non-EPA information provided by any third-party sites or any other linked site. Later the Mexicans, converted to Christianity, were the first to celebrate the poinsettia’s Christian meaning. However, please do not change the title or the content, or remove EPA’s identity as the author. The colorful part of the poinsettia that we enjoy isn’t a flower. This popular holiday plant isn’t really a cactus at all, but it is a succulent that … 20 million users around the world read Aleteia.org every month, Aleteia is published every day in eight languages: English, French, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and Slovenian, Each month, readers view more than 50 million pages, Nearly 4 million people follow Aleteia on social media, Each month, we publish 2,450 articles and around 40 videos, We have 60 full time staff and approximately 400 collaborators (writers, translators, photographers, etc. The history of the poinsettia is as colorful as its flowers, which are actually a special type of leaves known as bracts. Poinsettia biology. The red colored leaves represent the blood of Christ shed for the world. They saw the poinsettia’s red leaves as symbols of a deep love for Jesus. There is a Mexican legend that talks about two children, a boy and a girl, who had nothing to take to the Church Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve, but left a green poinsettia plant as their gift. ... Poinsettia Flower Meaning and Symbolism. Poinsettias are native to Central America and are a plant that flowers in the winter months. The star-shapped leaves were explained to represent the Star of Bethlehem and the red color was connected to the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice. Foxgloves are unique flowers in that they have strong symbolic meaning – both in a positive and negative way. As Christmas drew near a poor Mexican girl was sad because she didn’t have anything to give to the baby Jesus. They used the red tops of the poinsettia flower as a dye for skin and clothing - thus marking the bearer as clean, pure and sacred. In nature, the lengthening nights of late September and October trigger poinsettias to flower, Trinklein said. The ancient Aztecs considered the poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. Here’s what you need to know. In nature, the lengthening nights of late September and October trigger poinsettias to flower, Trinklein said. In nature, the lengthening nights of late September and October trigger poinsettias to flower, Trinklein said. The world production of this plant has increased considerably and now we can see a variety of colors, from rose to white and even blue. Poinsettia is a short-day plant, meaning it needs long periods of uninterrupted darkness each day in order to bloom. What Does Poinsettia Mean? It develops colourful new leaves or bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers. This flower assists you in finding the divine beyond words. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States diplomat sent to Mexico, left his name to the plant, which he introduced it to his country in the early 19th century. Poinsettias are native to Central America and are a plant that flowers in the winter months. Mexico has many of these flowers that can call it home. Read more:Where did candy canes come from? The bracts of the plant was used … The poinsettia has a deep cultural and symbolic meaning. While dream symbolism is a real thing, there is symbolism in the waking world as well. Poinsettias are native plants from Mexico. Poinsettias were prized by the ancient Aztecs (the Mexican Indians) as a symbol of purity. Poinsettia, by Audrey Holt Flowers and Their Meanings Floriography is the language of flowers. We need you. Today, poinsettias are the most easily recognized flower symbolic of Christmas. About the author:  Ms. Luz V. García M.E. Symbolism abounds, but it is not always spiritual in nature. Her cousin tried to cheer her up and encouraged her to give even the smallest gift with great love. Not knowing what to do, the poor girl gathered some weeds along the roadside and put them in a bouquet. For me, it represents a flower that announces the beginning of Christmas season. The History of Flower Meanings. You may share this post. The word “amethyst” comes from the Latin word amethustos, meaning “sober,” linking this flower (and its namesake crystal) to spiritual wisdom and clarity. The poinsettia was not new to the peoples of Mexico, however. Aztecs used the white milky suds of the plant as a medicine for fever and extracted the pigment for makeup and also to dye their clothes.. She is a four-time recipient of the EPA bronze medal, most recently in 2011 for the discovery of illegal pesticides entry at U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York. The poinsettia is a plant from Mexico. If you do make substantive changes, please do not attribute the edited title or content to EPA or the author. Poinsettia is a short-day plant, meaning it needs long periods of uninterrupted darkness each day in order to bloom. Poinsettia is a short-day plant, meaning it needs long periods of uninterrupted darkness each day in order to bloom. Poinsettia wasn’t unknown during this time, but it was used as a Christmas flower only in Mexico. Christmas Cactus. It does not matter, where our poinsettias come from, the truth is that we enjoy them in a variety of colors and if we are fortunate to cultivate them throughout the year. THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF poinsettia: Also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, it’s said that this winter flower’s association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend. This is one serious flower. They do not change anyone's rights or obligations. Poinsettia biology. Editor's Note: Poinsettias are native to Central America and are a plant that flowers in the winter months. The first scientific records in Mexico about poinsettias were written in the 17 Century, by botanist Juan Balme. By design or accident, poinsettias have become as much a symbol of Christmas as Chrstmas trees and mistletoe. In Mexico they celebrate Poinsettia Day, on December 12, a tradition that began after the first American Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett discovered the plant in 1828. When many people think of symbolism, they think of things that they may see in their dreams. What look like petals are specialized leaves called bracts. In 2002, Congress named December 12 National Poinsettia Day. EPA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies, internet applications or any policies or information expressed therein. Hear Clapton and Pavarotti sing a prayer to t... St. John Paul II's guide to a fruitful Advent. Thank you! Though the other children made fun of them for their gift, the weeds turned into red blooms – the vibrant bracts of the poinsettia. They used the sap for medicinal purposes and the red leaves to make die. Support Aleteia with as little as $1. 420 likes. In the 17 Century, Mexicans celebrated the Day of the Lady of Guadalupe also on December 12 and they call the poinsettia the” Flower of Christmas Eve “. It is known for its red and green foliage. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The colorful part of the poinsettia that we enjoy isn’t a flower. If you’re reading this article, it’s thanks to the generosity of people like you, who have made Aleteia possible. Some links on this page may redirect users from the EPA website to specific content on a non-EPA, third-party site. EPA is providing this link for informational purposes only. The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers Though the beauty of flowers was appreciated since ancient times, communicating coded messages with the symbolism of flowers … The story goes that a child, with no means for a grander gift, gathered humble weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on Christmas Eve. 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