Happy Cuetlaxóchitl Day Dec 12!

The Cuetlaxóchitl, known to many as the poinsettia, is a captivating plant originating from Mexico, specifically the southern regions. On this US Poinsettia Day, let’s look at the plant and its history with a decolonized perspective. The indigenous Nahuatl name, Cuetlaxóchitl, is pronounced roughly "kwet-lah-SO-cheel" and is a term deeply rooted in the cultural and linguistic heritage of the region.

Cultivating Cuetlaxóchitl demands an understanding of the plant's ecological preferences. Flourishing in the subtropical climates of Mexico, it thrives in well-drained soil and prefers temperatures ranging between 18-21°C (65-70°F) during the day, with cooler nights. Cultivators, particularly those honoring indigenous practices, strive to replicate these conditions for optimal growth and the development of the plant's striking bracts.

Symbolically, the Cuetlaxóchitl holds cultural significance beyond its aesthetics. Embedded in Mexican folklore, and blooming around the solstice, it's linked to tales of transformation and light-bringing, signaling a new cycle of life. In one legend the red leaves represent the sacred energy in the life force of blood, and in another it represents the blood of fallen warriors, and heralded their return in the form of hummingbirds who feed at the bright red flowers.

The association between Cuetlaxóchitl and Christmas extends beyond its bright red bracts. In the United States, where the plant was introduced in the 1820s by Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, it has become an iconic symbol of the holiday season. However, from a decolonized perspective, it's important to recognize that the plant's significance predates its introduction to the U.S. Indigenous communities in Mexico have long revered Cuetlaxóchitl, integrating it into their cultural practices during festive celebrations.

Indigenous communities often use Cuetlaxóchitl to adorn homes, churches, and communal spaces during celebrations, emphasizing its role as a symbol of joy and cultural richness. The plant's vibrant hues and association with the Christmas season resonate with indigenous traditions, connecting people to the land and their heritage.

In the realm of European artistic expression, the inclusion of Cuetlaxóchitl in Art Nouveau motifs takes on new meaning when viewed through a decolonized lens. Rather than merely an aesthetic choice, it becomes a celebration of indigenous flora and a reclaiming of cultural identity. Art Nouveau artists, in embracing natural forms, provided a platform for the integration of indigenous symbols, challenging colonial narratives.

Cuetlaxóchitl's presence in Art Nouveau motifs signifies a broader movement toward acknowledging and celebrating indigenous perspectives in art. Its distinctive bracts and foliage, rendered in the flowing lines and curves characteristic of Art Nouveau, underscore the beauty and cultural richness of indigenous flora.

This "Poinsetta Day," embracing a decolonized perspective allows us to appreciate the Cuetlaxóchitl not merely as a decorative plant but as a symbol deeply entwined with indigenous culture and history. Its cultivation, symbolism, association with Christmas, and inclusion in Art Nouveau motifs all contribute to a narrative that transcends colonial influences, honoring the plant's intrinsic value within its cultural context.

Shop the earring collection and find the Cuetlaxochitl motif earrings (listed as poinsettias) ready to adorn your ears with this beautiful indigenous and later Art Nouveau symbol!