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Writer's picturecasey mintle

Poinsettias: A Flower with Deep Roots in Aztec History

An Aztec Winter Solstice Plant

Olga Costa ~ Cuetlaxochitl (Flores de nochebuena)


As the holiday season approaches and festive decorations abound, you will most likely see the vibrant red botanical often associated with Christmas, the poinsettia. However, poinsettias have a rich history that predates their association with Christmas, one that is steeped in Mesoamerican cultural significance and rich in symbolism. 


Poinsettias, known as “Cuetlaxochitl” (kwet-la-sho-she), in the Nahuatl language, were highly revered by the Aztecs, who considered them a symbol of purity and used them in various religious ceremonies. The Aztecs believed that the vibrant red color of the poinsettia petals symbolized the blood of sacrifices offered to their gods during the Winter Solstice festivities.


RITUALS & CEREMONIES

 For the Aztecs, the Winter Solstice marked an important time of the year when they celebrated the rebirth of the sun god, Huitzilopochtli. During this period, the Aztecs adorned their temples and homes with poinsettias, believing their vibrant presence would attract and please the god, ensuring a good harvest and fortune for the upcoming year.


Cuetlaxochitl flowers were often used in these ceremonies as symbolic representations of blood and sacrifice as a way to appease their deities and maintain the balance of the cosmos. They were placed on sacrificial altars or offered to the gods along with other offerings.


PRACTICAL USES

The Aztecs attributed medicinal properties to cuetlaxochitl flowers and used them in healing rituals. It was believed that the plant could provide relief from fevers and skin conditions. Shamans or healers would incorporate cuetlaxochitl into their medicinal treatments, either applying it topically or preparing it as a tea.

Red dye that was extracted from the plant’s bracts, was used to color textiles, pottery, and even human and animal skin.


THE JOURNEY TO AMERICA

In the early 19th century, an American physician, botanist, and diplomat named Joel Poinsett, who was serving as the United States Special Envoy to Mexico, encountered the vibrant flowers during his travels and was captivated by their beauty. He brought some plants back to his home in South Carolina, where they thrived and caught the attention of horticultural enthusiasts.


THE CHRISTMAS TAKEOVER

The association between poinsettias and Christmas began in the 19th century when the plant’s vibrant red blooms were linked to the colors of the holiday season. The timing of the poinsettia’s natural blooming period, which aligns with the Christmas season, further solidified its association with the holiday. 


While poinsettias have become synonymous with Christmas, their true origins lie in the ancient Aztec civilization and their Winter Solstice celebrations. The vibrant red blooms of the poinsettia, once a symbol of sacrifice and rebirth, now bring joy and beauty to our homes during the holiday season. Understanding the historical significance of poinsettias adds a deeper layer of appreciation for these stunning plants and their cultural heritage. So, the next time you admire a poinsettia, remember its roots as an Aztec Winter Solstice plant, connecting us to a rich tapestry of history and tradition.

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