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National Poinsettia Day

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day on December 12th every year! Learn about the history & festive significance of this holiday plant. Read more now.

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Day of Today Team

Introduction

Happy National Poinsettia Day! Do you like poinsettias? If you like them, then you should know about this day. On this day, we honor and celebrate one of the most familiar plants of the holidays, Poinsettia.

In today's article, we will discuss why and how National Poinsettia Day came to being. So, let's dive right in.

Key Takeaways

  • National Poinsettia Day is celebrated every year on December 12 to honor the red flowers poinsettia.
  • Poinsettia plant was named after the man who brought it the US from Mexicon, Joel Roberts Poinsett in 1820s. However, National Poinsettia Day was made official only in 2002 on the death anniversy of Poinsett.
  • The red color and shapre of the flower make the plant associated with Christmas celebrations.
  • Decorate your home with the plant or send the flowers to your loved ones to pay homage to this beautiful plant on National Poinsettia Day.

National Poinsettia Day: What and Why?

The main purpose of National Poinsettia Day is to honor Poinsettias. These flowering plants are often used as decorations in churches, homes, and offices. The Aztec people used the plant to make red dye and as a medicine for fevers.

Today, in Mexico, America, and many parts of the world, these plants are known as "Christmas Eve flowers" or simply holiday plants, thanks to their red flowers and green leaves.

One of the facts of Poinsettia plant is it comes in more colors than just red! You can find these in white, orange, yellow, and pink. But the red one is more famous than the others. The red flowers symbolize deep love, joy, and celebration.

flower-4971741_1280.jpg
Photo by Deborah Windham from Pixabay

But do you know why National Poinsettia Day is celebrated every year? The day is special as it marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man after whom the Poinsettia plant is named. Poinsett brought the plant to the United States from Mexico in the 1820s, and he is remembered on National Poinsettia Day, which happens just in time for Christmas.

National Poinsettia Day also honors Paul Ecke, known as the father of the poinsettia industry.

This day celebrates these flowers and people who honored this flower. It brings the community together in a colorful union.

National Poinsettia Day Brief History

In the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico started using the plant in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaves are said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood of Jesus' crucifixion. This is how the flower got associated with the holiday's celebration.

But the idea of celebrating this flower came to people's mind very recently. In 2002, December 12 was first announced as the National Poinsettia Day in United States. But as mentioned before, It is actually the date of Joel Robert Poinsett's demise. Poinsett had studied medicine, but his true passion was botany. He was also a politician and diplomat. He brought this magnificent flower to the US. Around 1836, the plant became widely known after his name, poinsettia.

When is National Poinsettia Day Celebrated?

Since 2002, this day is observed on the 12th of every December. Most people know poinsettias as the lively red and green plants that signal the start of the holiday season every winter. Everyone treats this day as a holiday and enjoys it to the fullest.

National Poinsettia Day Dates

Year

Date

Day

2024

December 12th

Thursday

2025

December 12th

Friday

2026

December 12th

Saturday

2027

December 12th

Sunday

2028

December 12th

Tuesday

How is National Poinsettia Day Celebrated?

The poinsettia is a lovely symbol of gratitude for family and loved ones. So it is a great time to show friends and family how thankful you are to have them in your life. Most families like to collect these flowers together during the holidays.

Poinsettias are cultivated in the United States now. So getting one or more of these colorful Christmas plants is quite simple. You can order it on the 11th and get fresh poinsettias on the 12th.

To celebrate National Poinsettia Day, Poinsettia plants are exhibited on the Dia de le Virgen or Virgin's Day on December 12th in Mexico.

poinsettia-3024434_1280.jpg

Let's find out how this day can be celebrated with max aura:

  • Put up your Christmas decorations.
  • Visit your local greenhouse or florist and fill your room with beautiful poinsettias.
  • Order poinsettias for your neighbors.
  • Companies like nurseries, florists, and plant shops may want to celebrate National Poinsettia Day by holding activities and events that will attract customers.
  • Donate to a local charity or holiday giving program.
  • Send a poinsettia plant to a friend or family member.
  • Learn about the history and myth surrounding Poinsettias.
  • Learn how to take care of the plant.
  • Post photos of poinsettias on social media with the #NationalPoinsettiaDay hashtag.

Final Verdict

We all like poinsettia flowers. So of course, don't forget to buy poinsettia plants on National Poinsettia Day. Try sending someone on your list a poinsettia plant every year on December 12th to bring them some holiday cheer!

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