It’s National Poinsettias Day!!!! Did you know Poinsettias have some deep historical roots? The Aztecs found the blooming flower in areas of Southern Mexico and named it “Cuetlaxchitl”. Like most things it was actually not a decorative flower, but they found it useful for purple dye and the white milky sap was made into medicine to treat fevers. Today we actually call that sap latex! Aztecs considered the Poinsettia to symbolize purity; however, as years passed the December birth flower began to symbolize good cheer, success, and are said to bring laughter and celebration. Even the shape of the Poinsettias has history! The shape of the leaves and flower are thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves are also said, in religious homes, to symbolize the blood of Christ while the white leaves represent His purity.
Merry Christmas!
