The poinsettia, with its bright crimson leaves, has long been a symbol of the holiday season in the United States and Europe.
However, as attention turns to the plant’s origins, the checkered history of its namesake, Joel Roberts Poinsett, has come to light.
Poinsett, a slaveowner and lawmaker, played a part in the forced removal of Native Americans from their land. This has led some people to advocate for using the plant’s Indigenous name from southern Mexico.
The name “poinsettia” comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett, an amateur botanist and statesman who discovered the plant in 1828 during his tenure as the first U.S. minister to Mexico.
Poinsett, with an interest in science and potential cash crops, sent clippings of the plant to his home in South Carolina and to a botanist in Philadelphia, who named the plant in his honor.
A life-size bronze statue of Poinsett still stands in his honor in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
However, Poinsett’s time in Mexico was short-lived, as he was cast out within a year of his discovery. He had earned a local reputation for intrusive political maneuvering, which included involvement in secretive masonic lodges and schemes to contain British influence.
The debate over the name of the poinsettia raises important questions about the recognition of historical figures and their actions.
While Poinsett’s contributions to botany and horticulture are undeniable, his involvement in activities that harmed Indigenous peoples cannot be overlooked.
This has led to a reexamination of the plant’s name and a call for using its Indigenous name from southern Mexico.
The controversy surrounding the poinsettia’s name also highlights the broader issue of how we choose to honor historical figures.
As society becomes more aware of the problematic actions of certain individuals, there is a growing movement to reevaluate the celebration of these figures.
This includes reconsidering the names of plants, buildings, and institutions that bear the names of controversial figures.
In the case of the poinsettia, the push to use its Indigenous name is part of a larger movement to acknowledge and honor the contributions of Indigenous cultures.
By recognizing the plant’s origins in southern Mexico, we not only pay tribute to its Indigenous roots but also challenge the traditional narrative that has centered on figures like Poinsett.
As we navigate these discussions, it is important to approach the issue with sensitivity and respect for all perspectives.
While some may advocate for retaining the name “poinsettia” as a nod to its historical significance, others may feel strongly about using its Indigenous name as a way to honor the plant’s origins.
By engaging in open and thoughtful dialogue, we can work towards a resolution that acknowledges the complexities of history while promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures.
In conclusion, the debate over the name of the poinsettia reflects larger conversations about how we choose to recognize historical figures and honor diverse cultures.
By reexamining the plant’s name and considering its Indigenous origins, we have an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of southern Mexico and challenge the traditional narratives that have centered on controversial figures.
Moving forward, it is essential to engage in respectful dialogue and consider the perspectives of all stakeholders as we navigate these complex and important discussions.
The once beloved name “poinsettia” is experiencing a decline in popularity in the United States as more individuals become aware of the controversial history of its namesake.
Recent accounts have shed light on the less than admirable actions of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man for whom the plant is named.
Poinsett was known for his disruptive advocacy for business interests overseas, as well as his ownership of a rice plantation and involvement in the forced removal of Native Americans during his tenure as secretary of war.
In a newly released biography, historian Lindsay Schakenbach Regele delves into the complex and multifaceted life of Poinsett, revealing his involvement in political and economic machinations abroad.
While Poinsett’s legacy includes the ownership of slaves, he also opposed secession and did not live to witness the Civil War. As a result of these revelations, the once esteemed name “poinsettia” is losing its luster in the eyes of many.
In her incisive critique of Poinsett’s treatment of and regard for Indigenous peoples, Schakenbach Regele delivers a stern judgment, highlighting the manner in which Poinsett’s affiliations with learned societies, contributions to botanists’ collections, and acquisition of European art facilitated his justification of the expulsion of Natives from their ancestral lands.
This damning assessment sheds light on the insidious ways in which privilege and cultural elitism have historically been leveraged to perpetuate injustice and marginalization.
Furthermore, the historical significance of the plant known as the cuetlaxochitl within the Aztec empire in Mexico, dating back 500 years, underscores the enduring cultural and botanical legacy of Indigenous communities.
Regele’s meticulous analysis prompts a critical reevaluation of the complex intersections between colonialism, botanical exploration, and Indigenous knowledge, urging a more nuanced understanding of historical narratives and the enduring impact of Indigenous perspectives.
Year-end holiday markets in Latin America are filled with the vibrant potted plant known as the “flor de Nochebuena,” or “flower of Christmas Eve,” which holds a special significance in the celebrations of the night before Christmas.
The name “Nochebuena” can be traced back to the early Franciscan friars who arrived from Spain in the 16th century, while the Spaniards once referred to it as “scarlet cloth.”
This plant is also known by various other nicknames, such as “Santa Catarina” in Mexico, “estrella federal,” or “federal star” in Argentina, and “penacho de Incan,” or “headdress” in Peru.
Its Latin name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was ascribed in the 19th century and means “the most beautiful” in reference to its milky latex sap, which is characteristic of the diverse genus to which it belongs.
The rich history and cultural significance of the “flor de Nochebuena” make it a central feature of holiday traditions in Latin America.
The debate over the preferred name for the popular Christmas plant known as the poinsettia has sparked a growing trend among Mexican youths, both in Mexico and in the United States.
The traditional name of “cuetlaxochitl” is gaining traction among enthusiasts, as they push back against the use of the name “poinsettia” and its association with Joel Roberts Poinsett, the American diplomat and botanist who introduced the plant to the United States in the 19th century.
Elena Jackson Albarrán, a professor of Mexican history and global and intercultural studies at Miami University, has observed a shift in the way people, particularly the younger generation, are referring to the plant.
According to her, there is a growing cohort of individuals who are openly advocating for the use of the name “cuetlaxochitl” and rejecting the use of “poinsettia” or “Nochebuena.” This trend reflects a desire to reclaim the plant’s Mexican roots and assert its cultural significance.
Laura Trejo, a Mexican biologist leading studies on the genetic history of the poinsettia, has emphasized that the use of the name “poinsettia” is not common among ordinary people in Mexico.
She notes that it is primarily historians, diplomats, and politicians who are familiar with the history of Poinsett and his association with the plant.
This underscores the disconnect between the plant’s cultural significance in Mexico and its popularized name in the United States.
The genetic stock of U.S. poinsettia plants has been traced back to a wild variant found in the Pacific coastal state of Guerrero, Mexico.
This research confirms the historical significance of Poinsett’s encounter with the plant in Mexico and highlights the rich diversity of wild variants that are still found in the region.
The ongoing efforts to study and preserve these wild variants are crucial in safeguarding the plant’s genetic information and preventing the poaching of plants.
Furthermore, the poinsettia continues to hold cultural and ceremonial significance in Mexico, particularly in relation to ancient traditions and offerings associated with maternal goddesses such as Coatlicue, Tonantzin, and the Virgin Mary.
The plant’s presence in ceremonial practices and altars reflects its enduring importance in Mexican culture, dating back to the pre-Hispanic era.
Despite Poinsett’s controversial history, his legacy as an explorer and collector of plants remains influential.
The annual display of meticulously tended poinsettias at museums in Washington, D.C., affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, pays homage to Poinsett’s contribution to botanical exploration.
Additionally, his advocacy for the establishment of a national science museum and his role in securing funding for the Smithsonian Institution further solidify his lasting impact on U.S. culture and scientific institutions.
In conclusion, the debate over the preferred name for the poinsettia reflects a larger effort to reclaim and honor the plant’s Mexican roots and cultural significance.
The push for the use of the traditional name “cuetlaxochitl” and the ongoing research into the plant’s genetic history underscore the importance of preserving and acknowledging its origins.
As the discussion continues, it is essential to recognize the cultural and historical significance of the poinsettia and its enduring presence in both Mexican and American traditions.