The poinsettia at Christmas: its history and tradition
As much as time goes by, however much the fashions happen, the Christmas red it remains. It is the color of love and we can not miss it at home or in the closet. The poinsettia is the best way to keep red at home In Christmas without having to worry about combining, among other things, the Christmas tree with the centerpieces, the cutlery or the dishes.
Also, is it true that with a poinsettia in the hall or in the living room it seems that we are at Christmas, the illusion grows and the house is filled with family warmth? Find out where the tradition of buying it comes from these dates and follow our advice so that you poinsettia last a little longer this year.
The story of the poinsettia for children
The poinsettia It is also called Poinsettia or Christmas flower and began to cultivate hundreds of years ago. Its popularity as an element of decoration is due to the Franciscan friars, who back in the sixteenth century began to place it in their monasteries to give warmth and liveliness to the darkest rooms. Like the daisy, the poinsettia is a symbol of purity, that's why the Aztecs offered it to the gods. And for many, the poinsettia is native to Mexico. Thus, we understand that it is a plant that at Christmas is not, far from it, out of place.
The poinsettia and its 'botanical name'
And why do we call it also Poinsettia? Do not think that this is the technical name of the plant or the Greek or Latin designation of the family of shrubs from which it comes. The name of the poinsettia as Poinsettia is a tribute to Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first ambassador of the United States in Mexico.
Poinsett was a botanist and held this position in politics between the years 1825 and 1829. However, this did not take away his passion for plants. In fact, from Mexico, he gave his friends a poinsettia every Christmas. He chose this time of year and not another because it is in the cold winter months when it is best. And so, without wanting to, it was Poinsett that established a tradition that has reached our days. He died on December 12, 1851 and, in commemoration of his, he fixed himself on the calendar that same day as the Day of the Poinsettia or the poinsettia.
The truth about the poinsettia: tips to make it last longer
You've seen it millions of times and you probably have not noticed. Now, more than ever, it shines in street vendors and in florists' shop windows. If you still have not done yours, you will not have the opportunity to discover the truth about the poinsettia and approach her at this precise moment to verify that what we are going to reveal is true. The red leaves are not the petals! They are leaves that we refer to as "modified sheets". The authentic flower of the plant is chiquitita and of color champagne. And so we keep going around Christmas. Is not it funny?
This gives us the keys to succeed when buying. We do not have to look at the red leaves, their size, brightness or intensity. What matters are the central flowers! The more the plant has, the less it will last. Younger women are the ones who have the least buds, so if we opt for them we will probably keep them for longer than Christmas lasts. This can be a good way to extend that festive spirit that makes us so loving and generous.
The care you need a poinsettia or poinsettia
A poinsettia in the living room when Christmas is over can be a great reminder not to lose the understandability that characterizes us at this time. A perfect excuse and a hidden joy that can make us smile when we least expect it. You can explain to your children as if it were a story about the origin of this flower. Contágiales the pleasure to know where things come from and water together once or twice a week that beautiful plant. With a little dish of water underneath for about 10 minutes, it will be enough. Also, look at the temperature of the heating in your home. The poinsettias do not resist temperatures higher than 24 degrees centigrade.
Elisa García
