history of the poinsettia

Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as 'Taxco del Alarcon' where they flower during the winter. The ancient Aztecs called them 'cuetlaxochitl'. ... He was the first Ambassador from the USA to Mexico in 1825.

1. What does the poinsettia symbolize?
2. Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?
3. How did the poinsettia become associated with Christmas?
4. How did the Aztecs originally use the poinsettia plant?
5. What is the main idea of the legend of the poinsettia?
6. What is the saddest flower?
7. What does a white poinsettia mean?
8. What do I do with my poinsettia after Christmas?
9. What flower represents Christmas?
10. What happens if you touch a poinsettia?
11. Where Are poinsettias originally from?
12. Do poinsettias like sun or shade?
13. How do you get a poinsettia to turn red again?
14. Are poinsettias only for Christmas?
15. How long does a poinsettia live?
16. Who is the main character of the legend of poinsettia?
17. What is the setting of the legend of poinsettia?
18. How do you force a poinsettia to bloom?
19. What flower means goodbye?
20. Which flower means death?
21. What flower symbolizes evil?

What does the poinsettia symbolize?

While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today's language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.

Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?

Poinsettias get their American name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who brought them to the states from Mexico in the early 1800s. They didn't become traditional holiday decorations until the entrepreneurial Ecke family started promoting them a century later.

How did the poinsettia become associated with Christmas?

The poinsettia was first associated with Christmas in southern Mexico in the 1600s, when Franciscan priests used the colorful leaves and bracts to adorn extravagant nativity scenes.

How did the Aztecs originally use the poinsettia plant?

The Aztecs called poinsettias "Cuetlaxochitl." During the 14th - 16th century the sap was used to control fevers and the bracts (modified leaves) were used to make a reddish dye. ... The botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was assigned to the poinsettia by the German botanist, Wilenow.

What is the main idea of the legend of the poinsettia?

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the 'Flores de Noche Buena', or 'Flowers of the Holy Night'. The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ.

What is the saddest flower?

Lilies can evolve the feeling of tranquility and lilies stand-in for the innocence that has been restored after death. Any species of the white lily can be given at a funeral service. However, the white stargazer lily is considered to the saddest flower for any bad news.

What does a white poinsettia mean?

What Do White Poinsettias Mean? White poinsettias were once considered to be symbols of purity by the Aztecs, but now it's now the flower for December birthdays. The poinsettia is also said to be a symbol of good cheer, success, and bring with them wishes of happiness and celebrations.

What do I do with my poinsettia after Christmas?

Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.

What flower represents Christmas?

Holly is closely associated with Christmas and is typically used in the creation of Christmas wreaths and festive garlands. The idea of decorating your home with holly for Christmas dates back to ancient Druids.

What happens if you touch a poinsettia?

In most cases, poinsettia exposure causes only discomfort, including: A mild, itchy rash. Skin contact with the sap of a poinsettia plant can cause a rash. If this happens, wash the affected area with soap and water.

Where Are poinsettias originally from?

Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They are found in the wild in deciduous tropical forest at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. They are also found in the interior of Mexico in the hot, seasonally dry forests of Gurerro and Oxaca.

Do poinsettias like sun or shade?

Poinsettias need a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Protect the plants from freezing temperatures, especially when transporting them. Place them in a light-filled room away from drafts. They do best in rooms between 55 and 65 F at night and 65 to 70 F during the day.

How do you get a poinsettia to turn red again?

Help your poinsettia to turn red by placing it in total darkness for 14 hours each day, starting eight weeks before you want to display it. During the day, the plant needs bright light, but it should be placed in complete darkness every evening. (You can keep it in the same place as your mushroom log!)

Are poinsettias only for Christmas?

Other fowering plants have become part of the festive scene, but poinsettias alone remain unchallenged as the traditional flower of Christmas. Throughout America, millions of poinsettias will be displayed in homes, offices and public places.

How long does a poinsettia live?

"Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they're really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years."

Who is the main character of the legend of poinsettia?

In this retelling of an old Mexican folktale about the origin of poinsettias, Lucida and her mother work tirelessly to weave a blanket for the baby Jesus to wear in the town's nativity celebration. When Lucida's mother gets sick, Lucida tries to finish the blanket herself but ends up ruining it beyond repair.

What is the setting of the legend of poinsettia?

The Legend of the Poinsettia is part of a series of legend adaptations by the incomparable author/illustrator Tomie dePaola. Set in a small village in Mexico, this title retells a traditional folktale from Mexico about how the poinsettia came to be associated with Christmas.

How do you force a poinsettia to bloom?

To make a poinsettia bloom in early winter, indoor gardeners simply need to adjust the amount of light and darkness to "fool" the plant, Penhallegon said. In mid- to late October place your poinsettias in a completely dark area from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until red color starts to develop on the flowers or "bracts."

What flower means goodbye?

Chrysanthemum. White and yellow chrysanthemums are widely used to say goodbye, particularly in Asia.

Which flower means death?

Chrysanthemum: In America, this gorgeous flower has many meanings, but it is often used as an expression of support or an encouragement to “get well soon.” In many countries in Europe, the chrysanthemum is placed on graves and viewed as a symbol of death.

What flower symbolizes evil?

Thistle. A thorny plant with a beautiful flower, the national symbol of Scotland. It's thorns symbolize both evil and protection.