Meaning 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. 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. As the congregation witnessed a Christmas miracle, the weeds turned into brilliant red and green flowers.

Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, first United States ambassador to Mexico and the amateur botanist who introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825, the poinsettia is also known as Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, Noche Buena and, in Turkey, Atakurk's Flower, because it was the favorite flower of Atakurk, the founder of modern Turkey.

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.

Some Interesting Facts about Poinsettia

• Poinsettia, are indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala
• Poinsettia are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico
• If eaten, poinsettias may sometimes cause diarrhea and vomiting in animals and humans
• If the sap of the poinsettia accidentally gets into a human's eye, it can cause temporary blindness
• There is a mixed drink call a poinsettia cocktail, which is a mixture of dry sparkling white wine, vodka and cranberry juice.

In the United States poinsettia plants are typical used as Christmas decorations in homes, stores, offices, and elsewhere. They are typically available in large numbers from grocery stores, florists, drug, and hardware stores. In the United States, December 12 is National Poinsettia Day.