Poinsettia: The Christmas Star
- The Poinsettia Story
Welcome to the vibrant world of the Poinsettia, also known as the Christmas Star or the Christmas Flower. As you color, let the distinctive red and green hues of this holiday symbol inspire your creativity.
- Origins of Poinsettia
The Poinsettia, or Euphorbia pulcherrima, is native to Central America, particularly the area of southern Mexico known as 'Taxco del Alarcon' where they flower during the winter. The plant's association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend.
- Symbolism of Poinsettia
The Poinsettia is often associated with purity and good cheer, making it a fitting symbol for the holiday season. It's also the birth flower for December, representing success and celebration.
- The Legend of Poinsettia
The legend of the Poinsettia comes from Mexico, where a girl named Pepita had no gift to offer the Christ child at Christmas Eve services. Her cousin Pedro suggested that even the most humble gift, if given in love, would be acceptable. Pepita gathered weeds from the roadside and placed them in the church altar. Miraculously, the weeds blossomed into bright red Poinsettias.
- Coloring the Poinsettia: A Holiday Palette
As you color your Poinsettia, think of the vibrant red and green colors that have made it a holiday icon. Don't forget the yellow cluster at the center of the plant—the flowers themselves!
- Fun Facts about Poinsettia
December 12th is Poinsettia Day, which marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist, physician, and Minister to Mexico who in 1828 sent cuttings of the plant he'd discovered in Mexico back to his home in Charleston, South Carolina.
The colored parts of the Poinsettia that most people think of as the flowers are actually colored bracts (leaves).
Poinsettias come in more colors than the traditional red. There are pink, white, and marbled varieties as well.
