What would Christmas be without fir trees, decorations, lights and of course the poinsettia, or Christmas star? This ornamental plant, with its characteristic bright red leaves, has become one of the most iconic symbols of winter and the Christmas holidays, enriching homes and hearts during what for many is the most beautiful time of the year.
A Christmas classic
Already from the end of November, poinsettia begins to appear in shop windows, markets and gardens, ready to be purchased as the perfect gift for friends and relatives. Its symbolic role as a wish during the holidays makes it a traditional and much appreciated gift. But how did this association between poinsettia and Christmas arise? And how did it win the hearts of Europeans, despite its distant origins?
Mexican origins
There poinsettiawhose scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrimais not native to Europe but to Mexicowhere it has its roots in ancient traditions and legends. The Aztecs, fascinated by its color and healing properties, called it cuetlaxochitl. The plant was used to prepare natural remedies: its leaves and white sap were used to relieve pain, treat fever and even help mothers during breastfeeding. The cuetlaxochitl was considered sacred and associated with religious rituals, which explains its symbolic aura that has persisted to this day.
Diffusion in Europe and the United States
The spread of the poinsettia outside Mexico began in the first half of the nineteenth century, thanks to two key figures: the American politician Joel Roberts Poinsett and the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, was so struck by the beauty of this plant that he took some specimens to his properties in South Carolina and sent them to the US botanical gardens. Precisely in his honor, the plant was renamed “poinsettia”.
At the same time, Alexander von Humboldt, during his travels in Mexico, introduced the plant to Europe, where it began to be grown in greenhouses and appreciated for its unique charm. The poinsettia’s success grew rapidly both in the United States and in the Old Continent, transforming it into a global Christmas symbol.
One of the aspects that has contributed to the popularity of the poinsettia is the strong symbolism of its colors. The red leaves, actually modified bracts, symbolize love and sacrifice, while the deep green of the leaves represents hope and eternal life. These colors contain the essence of the Christmas spirit, bringing joy and warmth into homes.
The “Christmas Star”
The tradition of giving a single poinsettia as a cut flower appears to date back to German immigrants to the United States. It is said that it was Albert Eckean entrepreneur who emigrated to California, popularized the name “Christmas star” and promoted its sale, contributing to the commercial success of the plant. The Ecke family played a key role in turning the poinsettia into one of the best-selling Christmas decorations in the world.
Today, the scientific name Euphorbia pulcherrimameaning “beautiful euphorbia,” continues to do justice to the extraordinary beauty of the poinsettia. Despite its tropical origins, the poinsettia has managed to become an essential element of Christmas, invading homes and places of worship around the world, and remaining a symbol of hope, generosity and joy.
