Are poinsettias a Mexican tradition?
Are poinsettias a Mexican tradition?
Historically, Mexicans have conveyed the symbolic significance of poinsettias by displaying them at holiday time. During the 17th century the poinsettia became known as “La flor de Nochebuena” (Holy night flower). Franciscan priests observed this flower blooming naturally in the fall, a herald of the Christmas season.
Why is the poinsettias important to Mexico?
After the conquest, during the 17th century, Spanish Franciscan priests in Mexico began using the poinsettia in the Fiesta of Santa Pesebre, a nativity procession. They used the poinsettia because of its appropriate holiday color and blooming time.
Was the poinsettia stolen from Mexico?
The plant is known as Cuetlaxochitl (ket-la-sho-she) and was another stolen item from Mexican history and had its history white-washed in a gross way, which is evident in who the plant was renamed after in America, the horrendous Indian-hater Joel Roberts Poinsett, the former US ambassador to Mexico who was kicked out.
What did the Aztecs use the poinsettia for?
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.
What are poinsettias called in Mexico?
La Flor de la Nochebuena
In Nahuatl , the language of the Aztecs, the Poinsettia was called Cuitlaxochitl (from cuitlatl, for residue, and xochitl, for flower), meaning “flower that grows in residues or soil.” Today the plant is known in Mexico and Guatemala as “”La Flor de la Nochebuena” (Flower of the Holy Night, or Christmas Eve).
What do poinsettias symbolize?
In the United States and other countries, poinsettias symbolize the Christmas season and the miracles it celebrates. Since these winter plants are often red and green, they fit right in with the holiday hues. Poinsettias also mean joy, cheer, and success, regardless of their color.
What is the main idea of the legend of the poinsettia?
The Flor de Nochebuena or Flowers of the Night are native to Mexico. The association of the poinsettia with Christmas dates back to the 16th century with the legend of a young girl who was too poor to provide baby Jesus with a gift celebrating his birthday.
Is poinsettia a religious symbol?
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. The white leaves represent his purity. The Poinsettia is also the national emblem of Madagascar.
How did poinsettias become part of Christmas?
Early Poinsettia Flower History So how did poinsettias and Christmas become intertwined? 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.
What is a sad flower?
Hyacinth: The purple hyacinth is a popular symbol of sorrow and regret.
What do poinsettias symbolize in Mexico?
History of Poinsettia Flowers. Although the discovery of Poinsettias does not date as far back as when Christmas was first celebrated,it makes up with very rich and luscious history.
Did poinsettias originate in Mexico?
The vibrant plants are native to the rocky canyons of Guatemala and Mexico. Poinsettias were cultivated by the Mayans and Aztecs, who valued the red bracts as a colorful, reddish-purple fabric dye, and the sap for its many medicinal qualities.
Are poinsettas originally from Mexico?
Poinsettias are originally from Central America, and the plant was known to thrive in southern Mexico, where it was called Taxco del Alarcon. The Aztecs found this plant blooming in winter, and they named it cuetlaxochitl. They used the plant to extract a purple dye, which was then used for coloring textiles and imparting color to cosmetics.
What is the story behind the Poinsettia?
Describe Lucida’s family.
