Poinsettias

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I'm exploring the USPS's long love of the poinsettia plant. The flower is featured on four stamps, these two from 1985 and 1964 and also a 2013 Forever stamp and a Global Mail circular stamp, still available at USPS.com.

The poinsettia plant is native to Mexico and began its association with Christmas in the 16th Century: Legend tells of a girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. An angel approached the weeping girl and sent her to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Watered by her tears, crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias.

Nowadays, the star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus' Crucifixion.

In 1828, the plant was brought to the United States by Robert Poinsett (1799-1851). While serving as ambassador to Mexico, he sent a few to his home in South Carolina where they were propagated and given as gifts to friends and local gardens. Before long the plant had a new name, the Poinsettia.

Later, in the early 20th century, the plant was bred to have fuller leaves and color variations by the Ecke family. Paul Ecke would send plants to local TV stations between Thanksgiving and Christmas for their sets, amplifying their visibility. The family was the leading seller of poinsettias for decades.

In 2002, Congress passed a bill making December 12 (the day of Poinsett's death) National Poinsettia Day.