The Origins of Christmas Legends and Traditions We Didn’t Know

The poinsettia, now synonymous with American Christmas celebrations, has roots that stretch back to Central America. It was Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and an avid botanist, who introduced this vibrant plant to the United States in the 1820s. A century later, California horticulturist Paul Ecke played a pivotal role in popularizing the poinsettia, with its signature red and green foliage, among the American public.

His strategic donations of the plants to television shows significantly boosted their popularity. By 1986, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, the poinsettia had become the best-selling potted plant in the nation, a testament to its enduring appeal as a symbol of holiday cheer.