National Poinsettia Day

Young woman in a cozy winter sweater, surrounded by beautiful poinsettia plants, autumn setting.. — National poinsettia day illustration

Aah, National Poinsettia Day! The time of year when our homes come alive with vibrant splashes of red, and we suddenly realize we have no idea how to pronounce 'poinsettia' correctly. But fear not, dear readers, for I am here to guide you through the magical internet history of this festive day!

When is Poinsettia Day?

It's national poinsettia day on the 12th December.

The Origins of National Poinsettia Day

Imagine it's 1825, and you're a botanist named Joel Poinsett. You're strolling through the countryside of Mexico, as one does, when all of a sudden, you spot a stunning red plant. Intrigued, you bring it back to your garden in South Carolina and give it your family name, 'poinsettia.' Little did you know that you'd just kick-started a holiday tradition! Fast forward to the internet age. People realized that poinsettias deserved more than just a passing mention during the holiday season. They wanted a whole day to celebrate these beautiful plants, to bask in their festive glory, and maybe even learn to pronounce their name correctly. And thus, National Poinsettia Day was born!

A Poinsettia Paradise on the Web

Since the dawn of the internet, poinsettias have captured the hearts and minds of people around the world. On National Poinsettia Day, websites and social media platforms burst into a flurry of red blooms. From breathtaking photos showcasing various poinsettia varieties to helpful tips on how to care for these finicky plants, the online world immerses itself in all things poinsettia-related. The internet also offers a delightful array of poinsettia crafts and DIY projects. From creating poinsettia wreaths to making stunning holiday centerpieces, the possibilities are endless. Who knew these festive flowers could transform ordinary household items into works of art?

Poinsettias in Popular Culture

Poinsettias have made their mark in popular culture too! These vibrant red blooms have become synonymous with the holiday season, adorning storefronts, holiday commercials, and even holiday-themed movies. They've become the unofficial mascot of festivities everywhere, spreading joy and cheer wherever they go.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the colored parts of poinsettias are not actually flowers? Shocking, I know! Those stunning red and green structures that we associate with poinsettias are actually bracts, which are modified leaves. The true flowers of the poinsettia plant are the small yellow blossoms in the center. Nature sure knows how to play some optical tricks on us!

History behind the term 'Poinsettia'

1825

Discovery in Mexico

In 1825, the term 'poinsettia' was first used to refer to a striking red plant discovered in southern Mexico by Joel Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico. Poinsett immediately recognized the beauty of the plant and brought it back to his home in South Carolina.

1836

Popularization as Poinsettia

In 1836, the Mexican plant Joel Poinsett discovered gained immense popularity, and people started referring to it as 'poinsettia' to honor the man who introduced it to the United States. The name stuck and has been associated with the plant ever since.

1851

Scientific Classification

In 1851, the poinsettia plant was officially classified as Euphorbia pulcherrima by the German botanist, Wilenow. The name 'Euphorbia' is derived from Euphorbus, a Greek physician to King Juba II of Mauretania. 'Pulcherrima' means 'most beautiful' in Latin, emphasizing the plant's striking appearance.

1900

Poinsettias as Holiday Decorations

By the early 1900s, poinsettias gained immense popularity as a prominent holiday decoration, particularly during the Christmas season. The vibrant red leaves, often mistaken as petals, are actually bracts, which attract pollinators to the small, yellow flowers in the center. The association of poinsettias with Christmas and the festive season continues to this day.

1851

National Poinsettia Day

In 1851, on December 12th, National Poinsettia Day was established in honor of Joel Poinsett's death anniversary. This day celebrates the beautiful poinsettia plant and its cultural significance, encouraging individuals to recognize its beauty and use it in seasonal decorations.