Christmas traditions in Italy: Poinsettia

One of the symbols of Christmas in Italy is the poinsettia (in italian called Stella di Natale, meaning “Christmas Star”) a plant that is actually native to Mexico. There, it was called Cuetlaxochitl ("leather-petaled flower") since the 16th century, and the Aztecs used it to decorate their temples, produce red pigments, and use it as a medicine against fever.
The origins of the poinsettia are told in several legends.
On one hand, it was believed that the color of the Cuetlaxochitl bracts came from the blood of an Aztec god - died of unrequited love - that fell on the plant's leaves, coloring them.
On the other hand, a Mexican legend directly links to the Christian tradition of Christmas: it is said that a young girl, too poor to buy a gift to add to her church's nativity scene, made a bouquet of weeds collected from a field. The bouquet was humble, but made with much love, and according to the story, it began to sprout and turn bright red during Christmas Mass. Since then, in Mexico, the Cuetlaxochitl has also been called Flores de Noche Buena, "Christmas Eve flowers."
It was the Spanish missionaries who arrived in Mexico in the 16th century called it “Christmas Star”, because it bloomed during the Christmas season, and because of its shape, which resembled the Star of Bethlehem, and its crimson color, which recalled Christ's sacrifice.
In 1804, the plant also arrived in Europe. In Germany, it was cataloged with the botanical name Euphorbia Pulcherrima, and finally, in 1828, the American Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, brought the plant to the United States, where a few years later it was renamed Poinsettia in his honor.

After Germany, Italy remains the largest producer of poinsettias in Europe.
Italians love its bright red, Christmas-colored leaves. Just one poinsettia is enough to instantly bring the Christmas spirit into your home. Furthermore, if cared for properly, this plant will remain lush throughout the holiday season.
Fun fact: It's not only red! In recent years, white, pink, and red-and-white variegated varieties have become increasingly common.
Furthermore, the poinsettia is so popular here because it's the "save-the-day" gift: whether for in-laws or colleagues, this decorative plant is a hit with everyone. Especially if at the same time your’re buying it as a gift, you're also doing charity. Yes, because every December, you can buy poinsettias to support scientific research (as in the case of AIL or AIRC).
In short, a symbol of generosity and benevolence, a plant that truly embodies the meaning of Christmas.