What is poinsettia in Spanish slang?

In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower. You may also see it written as La Flor de la Nochebuena, which means Flower of Christmas Eve. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it's known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.

What do Mexicans call poinsettias?

Among Nahuatl-speaking communities of Mexico, the plant is known as the cuetlaxochitl (kwet-la-SHO-sheet), meaning “flower that withers.” It's an apt description of the thin red leaves on wild varieties of the plant that grow to heights above 10 feet (3 meters).

What is the Spanish name for a poinsettia?

Year-end holiday markets in Latin America brim with the potted plant known in Spanish as the “flor de Nochebuena,” or “flower of Christmas Eve,” which is entwined with celebrations of the night before Christmas. The “Nochebuena” name is traced to early Franciscan friars who arrived from Spain in the 16th century.

What is the nickname of poinsettia?

Possibly as early as 1826, Poinsett began sending poinsettias from Mexico back to his greenhouses in South Carolina. Prior to poinsettia, it was known as "Mexican flame flower" or "painted leaf".

What does it mean to give someone a poinsettia?

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.

Poinsettias for Kids

Why do Mexicans decorate with poinsettias?

After the Spanish conquest, during the 17th century, Franciscan friars used the colorful, showy plant not only to decorate altars and nativity scenes but also to evangelize indigenous populations. The friars renamed it “flor de Nochebuena” (“Holy Night flower”) because it blooms around Christmas.

Is a poinsettia appropriate for a funeral?

This red poinsettia is delivered in a natural basket that is wrapped with a beautiful ribbon. A timeless classic! This item is hand-arranged and delivered by a local florist. Appropriate to send directly to the funeral home or to the family's residence.

What did Aztecs use poinsettias for?

Historically, poinsettias were used by Aztecs to make a purplish dye from the colorful “flowers” for use in textiles and cosmetics. The sap was also used in a preparation for treating fevers. December 12^th is National Poinsettia Day commemorating the date of Joel Poinsett's death in 1851.

Are poinsettias male or female?

The flowers (cyathia) of the poinsettia are in the center of the bracts. Male and female parts are present, along with a yellow-edged nectary with sweet, fragrant nectar. Poinsettias come in many colors and forms. New selections appear every year.

Are poinsettias hispanic?

But they're native to Central America, particularly southern Mexico, and they're actually colorful leaves, not flowers. So why do we consider them the official Christmas flowers anyway? The reason we associate poinsettias with the holidays comes from an old Mexican legend.

What is the Mexican legend of the poinsettia?

According to Mexican lore, a young child, Pepita, did not have a gift for the baby Jesus at a Christmas Eve service. She was penniless, so all she could do was pick a bouquet of weeds to offer. The angels felt compassion for her plight.

What is the Mexican legend that links the poinsettia with Christmas time?

Little Maria did not have a gift for the Baby Jesus. All she could find was a handful of weeds...but, because she gave from her heart, the weeds turned into beautiful red flowers. This is the story of the Poinsettia, the Christmas plant.

How long do poinsettias live?

If cared for properly, a potted poinsettia can last for two to three months in your home. However, some home gardeners with a particularly green thumb may enjoy the challenge of caring for a poinsettia long after Christmas in hopes of a second bloom next holiday.

Are poinsettias a religious symbol?

We consider them a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolise good will and community spirit.In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, with the red leaves of the poinsettia symbolising the blood of Christ.

Do poinsettias like rain?

Since poinsettias are sensitive to cold weather, frost, and rain, outside placement during the winter months should be avoided. However, in mild climates, an enclosed patio or entry way may be suitable, provided the night temperatures do not drop below 55 degrees F.

Why do we pinch poinsettias?

The poinsettia is pinched to release the plant from apical dominance and cause the lateral branches to grow. Apical dominance is defined as the inhibition of lateral bud growth by a growing apex. As long as the apex remains intact, growth of the buds below is inhibited.

Who should not attend a funeral?

If you've had a tumultuous relationship with your parents or family members, it may be better to not attend. If you're an ex-spouse or partner of the deceased and won't be welcomed by their current family, that might also be a reason to not go to the funeral.

What color flower is always appropriate for a funeral?

White flowers are the most commonly present at funerals. This traditional color choice represents honor, peace, and innocence. Pink is considered a respectful color choice, used to express gentleness and sympathy.

What is the best flower to take to a funeral?

Lilies are a classic, go-to flower for funerals, and for good reason. Lilies are symbolic of your loved one's soul returning to a peaceful state of innocence. As such, the potent aromatics of a lily can be a strong reminder and comfort that the departed has moved on from this life and is at peace.

What is the flower of the holy night?

Many also believe that the shape of the poinsettia flowers and the leaves are a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. In Mexico and Guatemala, the poinsettia is called “Flores de Noche Buena”, which translates to “Flower of the Holy Night” (referring to Christmas Eve).

What three colors can poinsettia leaves be?

The reduction in light prevents the plant from producing chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plant parts green. This changes the bracts to red, pink or white, depending on the poinsettia variety.

What is a symbol of Christmas in Mexico?

In the following centuries, the Flor de Nochebuena – with its seasonal bloom portending Christmas – became the symbol of the holiday as well as a reflection of Mexico's colonized past and evangelism.

Who brought poinsettia to the United States?

Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett. While serving as the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, he had occasion to visit Taxco and found the plants growing on adjacent hillsides.