The Language of Poinsettia Flowers and Their Historical Background

When the city is enveloped in a festive Christmas atmosphere, the **poinsettia** delights us with its strikingly vivid red.
Known as the "Christmas flower," this beautiful plant is not just a winter decoration.
By understanding the **language of flowers** embedded in its passionate red color and its **historical background** tracing back to ancient Mexican civilizations, the meaning of the poinsettia becomes even deeper and more special.
This article will primarily explain the **language of poinsettia flowers**, their origins, meanings by color, and the eventful history leading up to their status as a Christmas symbol.
Use it as a reference for choosing gifts for loved ones or for this year's winter decorations.

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What is a Poinsettia?

First, let's look at basic information about poinsettias and how they became an indispensable flower for Christmas.

What kind of flower is a poinsettia?

The poinsettia is an **evergreen shrub** belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, genus Euphorbia.
From November to December, its viewing season, the leaves at the top of the stems turn vivid red, pink, white, or other colors, and its showy appearance has earned it the nickname "Christmas flower."
In its native Mexico, it grows into a tree up to 3 meters tall. The bright parts generally thought to be flowers are actually not flowers but modified leaves called bracts.

Where do poinsettias grow?

Poinsettias are native to warm regions of Central and South America, particularly **Mexico** and Central America.
Because its homeland is a tropical country with strong sunlight, the poinsettia, contrary to its winter image, is **vulnerable to cold**.
Therefore, when growing it in Japan, it is essential to keep it indoors in a warm place where the temperature can be maintained at a minimum of 10°C or higher during winter.

About the origin of the poinsettia's name

The name "poinsettia" is derived from the person who introduced this plant to America.

In the early 19th century, **Joel Roberts Poinsett**, an American botanist and the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, discovered this beautiful red flower in Mexico and brought it back to his home country, promoting its spread. In commemoration of his achievements, it was named "poinsettia."
In Mexico, its country of origin, it is affectionately known as **"Noche Buena"** (meaning **"Holy Night"**) because it blooms during the Christmas season.

What are the types and colors of poinsettias?

While vibrant red is the classic poinsettia color, thanks to advances in breeding, a wide variety of colors and patterns are now available.

・Red: The classic color and a symbol of Christmas. It's the most popular, with a rich array of flower meanings.
・White: A color reminiscent of a snowy winter landscape. It offers a clean feel and is perfect for a calm Christmas ambiance.
・Pink: "Princettia" from Suntory Flowers is a representative variety. With a soft and charming atmosphere, it is also popular as a gift for women.
・Marble/Variegated: Varieties with a mix of red and white are also available. Unique and highly decorative, they offer more versatility in display, making them ideal for those who want a different kind of Christmas.

The different atmospheres and flower meanings depending on the color make poinsettias a highly attractive choice, allowing selection based on the recipient and occasion.

What is the language of poinsettia flowers?

Poinsettias, with their vibrant colors and Christmas history, carry heartwarming and positive flower meanings.
The main flower meanings common to all poinsettias are **"blessing," "wishing good luck," and "my heart is aflame."**
These are said to originate from a famous Christmas legend associated with poinsettias.

It's the story of the "Christmas miracle," where a poor girl, having nothing to offer at the altar celebrating Christ's birth, offered roadside weeds instead, and those weeds miraculously transformed into beautiful red poinsettias.
From the lesson that God accepts any humble offering if it is made with heartfelt love, flower meanings such as "blessing" and "wishing good luck" were born.

Poinsettia flower meanings change by color

Poinsettias can convey different messages depending on their color.

・Red: "Purity," "My heart is aflame," "Blessing." These meanings encompass the color of Christ's blood, passionate love, and a pure heart.
・White: "Adored," "Wishing you blessings." These meanings include the image of snow, purity, and respect.
・Pink: "Compassion," "Purity." These meanings convey gentle love and a compassionate heart.

The meaning of "purity" for red poinsettias, in particular, also stems from its historical role as a symbol of **chastity** in ancient Mexico, making it an ideal flower meaning for a Christmas gift.

History of the Poinsettia

The poinsettia became a symbol of Christmas due to its deep connection with Christian culture.

Originally a sacred flower in Mexico

The history of the poinsettia is ancient, and it is believed to have been cherished in its native Mexico since the time of the Aztec civilization.
In the Aztec language (Nahuatl), it was called "Cuetlaxochitl," meaning "leather-like flower" or "flower that withers," and its vibrant red color was considered a symbol of **purity**.
It was also used as a medicinal herb, with its white sap used as a fever reducer and its red bracts used as dye, indicating it was a plant deeply rooted in the lives of the indigenous people.
(Reference: University of Illinois Extension "History of Houseplants")

Linked to Christian culture during the colonial era

Around the 17th century, Franciscan missionaries moved to Mexico, which had become a Spanish colony.
They were drawn to the poinsettia's vibrant colors. They interpreted **red** as the **blood of Christ (dedication and love)** and **green** as a symbol of **eternal life**, and began using it for Christmas decorations to celebrate the birth of Christ (this is just one theory).
From this period, the poinsettia became deeply associated with Christian rituals in Mexico, being called "Noche Buena" (Holy Night).
A foundational legend also emerged, stating that "a poor girl named Pepita, having no offering for Christ, picked roadside weeds to bring to the church, and they miraculously transformed into beautiful red flowers."
(Reference: TIME Magazine "How the Poinsettia Became a Christmas Symbol" by Norman Ellstrand & Nathan Ellstrand)
(Reference: Tokyo Shimbun "There was a poor girl named Pepita in Mexico")

Joel Poinsett introduced it in America!

The person who made the poinsettia a global "Christmas flower" was **Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779–1851)**, after whom it is named.
In the 1820s, he brought poinsettias from Mexico to the United States.
Utilizing his knowledge as a botanist, he presented them to botanical gardens, which is believed to have made them known among American horticulturists as "beautiful plants."
(Reference: Wikipedia "Joel Roberts Poinsett")
(Reference: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources "The History of Poinsettias")

Established as a Christmas flower in the early 20th century

After its introduction by Poinsett, commercial cultivation of poinsettias advanced in the United States.
Particularly, due to their characteristic of turning red in winter and fitting perfectly with Christmas colors, demand for them as decorative items increased. By the early 20th century, the custom of giving and decorating with poinsettias at Christmas became established, solidifying its status as the "Christmas flower" it holds today.
However, at that time, most poinsettias were sold as cut flowers rather than potted plants.
In the 1920s, new varieties that were short and branched easily were introduced, and the sale of "potted" poinsettias began. Also, it was difficult to adjust the blooming time to Christmas, and the plants quickly became leggy (tall and spindly), making them costly to cultivate....
(Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service "Poinsettia")

History of the Poinsettia in Japan

When and how did poinsettias arrive in Japan?

Poinsettias are believed to have arrived in Japan in the mid-Meiji period.

Poinsettias are believed to have arrived in Japan around the middle of the Meiji era.
Initially, their vivid red bracts were likened to "Shojo," a legendary red-faced, sake-loving creature from Chinese folklore, leading to the Japanese name "**Shojoboku**."
(Reference: Kotobank | Poinsettia)

1924~ "Rosea" was cultivated at Shinjuku Gyoen

Records show that in 1924, a red and pink variety called "Rosea" was cultivated at Shinjuku Gyoen. This pink Rosea was brought back from Europe by Prince Asaka (Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, a former member of the Japanese imperial family), and in 1930, it was sold by Yokohama Ueki Company, becoming widely cultivated by the public. The white variety, having entered the Fushimi imperial household, was called "Fushimi Shiro" and was also grown at the imperial garden.
(Source: Miscellaneous Notes on Southern Plants 28 "Poinsettia")

1960s~ Research on cultivation techniques progressed

In the 1960s, research on cultivation techniques adapted to the Japanese environment is said to have progressed. Reports on research into 'short-day treatment' (flowering adjustment), which involves adjusting daylight hours to make poinsettias color at Christmas, can also be confirmed, suggesting that there might have been a growing momentum for stable mass production of poinsettias as well. Knowing that research has been advancing for so long makes it understandable why it became so popular in general households as a classic winter potted flower.
(Source paper: "Regarding the Reversal of Growth Phases in Poinsettias: Research on Poinsettia Photoperiodic Response - 2 -" by Tsuneharu Shimada et al., Bulletin of the Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University / 1964 )

1990s~ Types suitable for indoor enjoyment also appeared

Furthermore, from the 1990s onward, demand shifted towards short-statured **dwarf varieties** that are easier to display in Japan's smaller indoor spaces, and "mini poinsettias" that can be placed in living rooms or on tables, leading to increased popularity.
A representative variety from this period is "Freedom" (flowers that can be enjoyed indoors for a long time).
As they were easy to grow and required little maintenance, their spread through garden centers and home centers progressed.
(Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Registered Variety Database)
(Source: Hakusan Co., Ltd. 40th Anniversary)

2010s~ Present: A wide variety of poinsettias are now available!

Currently, a wide variety of poinsettias are sold, including not only the traditional red but also white, pink, and marbled patterns.
With a rich selection of sizes, they can be enjoyed for a wide range of uses, from gifts to home decor.
Japanese varieties are highly regarded overseas for being "compact and having good flower longevity" and "delicate coloration."
Princettia, in particular, received high praise at international trade fairs such as IPM Essen.
(Source: Suntory Flowers "Princettia")

Symbolism and Meaning of the Poinsettia

Every color and shape of the poinsettia carries a special Christmas meaning.

Red symbolizes "love" and "the blood of Christ."

The red color of the poinsettia holds the most significant and symbolic meaning.
It represents **"passionate love"** and, in Christianity, **"the blood of Christ,"** signifying dedication and redemption for humanity.
This profound meaning is one reason why poinsettias are chosen as gifts to convey love and dedication at Christmas.

Green symbolizes "eternal life."

The green leaves beneath the colored bracts, like the fir tree, symbolize **"eternal life"** and **"hope."**
This represents the eternal life given by Christ and the unyielding hope even in the cold of winter.

The star shape is the "Star of Bethlehem."

The radial spread of the bracts is likened to the **"Star of Bethlehem"** that announced the birth of Christ to the Three Wise Men.
This star is a symbol of hope and guidance, and the entire poinsettia expresses the miracle of Christmas, the holy night.

About the Characteristics of Poinsettia

Here are some interesting facts and practical tips to know when decorating with poinsettias.

The part that looks like a flower is a "bract."

As mentioned earlier, the vibrant, showy part of the poinsettia that is admired is not a petal but a modified leaf called a bract.
The true flowers are the small, yellow, grain-like parts in the center of the bracts.
When the bracts change color, they serve to protect these small flowers and attract insects.

December 12th is "Poinsettia Day" every year.

December 12th, the anniversary of the death of Joel R. Poinsett, who introduced the poinsettia to America, has been designated **"Poinsettia Day"** by the U.S. Congress.
This day marks a sign for Christmas preparations and decorations to begin in earnest.

Despite its winter image, it's sensitive to cold!?

Although its vibrant coloring gives it a strong winter image, the poinsettia is a plant native to Mexico and **vulnerable to cold.**
In Japan, during winter, be sure to keep it in a **warm, bright indoor location** as it will wither if placed in cold areas such as entryways or balconies.

Be careful as white sap may drip when cut.

Poinsettias are plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). When stems or leaves are cut, a white, milky sap oozes out.
This sap contains ingredients that can cause dermatitis, so if it gets on your hands, wash it off immediately, and be careful to keep it away from pets and small children.

Its Japanese name is "Shojoboku."

The academic standard Japanese name for poinsettia is "**Shojoboku**."
"Shojo" refers to a legendary red-faced, sake-loving spirit beast from Chinese folklore.
The fiery red color of the poinsettia is said to have reminded people of Shojo's face, giving it this unique name.

Summary

The **poinsettia** is not only beautiful but also a special flower, rich in history and stories, conveying messages of "blessings" and "love."

・The language of flowers includes positive meanings such as "blessing" and "wishing good luck."
・Its history is deeply intertwined with ancient Mexican civilizations and Christian culture.
・Its characteristic red, green, and star-shaped bracts symbolize love, eternal life, and hope, respectively.

This Christmas, why not give a **poinsettia** to a loved one, accompanied by the deep history and warm message of its flower language?

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◆Revision History
December 8, 2025: Expressions for some years and introduction periods of varieties have been revised to align with the status of evidence confirmation. References and source information have been added.