This poinsettia brooch is enamel on metal and is quite three dimensional in nature. During December I try and wear a Christmas themed brooch most days, I like this one because it is not a tree!
Legend has it that in the 16th century a young girl in Mexico called Maria too poor to provide a gift for the church to celebrate Christmas. Inspired by an angel she gathered weeds from the roadside and placed them in front of the altar. A miracle happened, crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias. By the 17th century Franciscan friars in Mexico were including poinsettia plants in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaves were said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Today in Mexico they are known as Flor de Noche Buena meaning Christmas Eve Flower. These days they are a popular Christmas decoration, their bright red foliage bringing welcome cheer to grey winter months.
December 12 is National Poinsettia Day in America.
On the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website they say “Poinsettias are cheery plants that are widely grown indoors over Christmas for their brightly coloured bracts. They are often disposed of once they start to fade, but with a little care, you can keep them all year and the bracts will colour up again the following year.” I remember my mother would buy me an extra-large one for the fireplace. I never managed to keep one beyond the festive season. I have far better luck with my poinsettia brooch – it requires minimal care and comes out each year looking as good as ever.