To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Joukowsky Institute has created a poster featuring the national flowers of Hispanic countries. Learn more about some of the featured flowers below!
Mexico – the dahlia
The dahlia was named Mexico’s national flower in 1963 and has cultural significance dating back to the Aztecs. They used the tubers as a food source and for medicinal purposes, including treating epilepsy. The dahlia represents pride, beauty, elegance, inner strength, and creativity. The tuberous roots can be eaten and used to make honey, jam, flour, or cookies and can help regulate blood glucose levels and lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Colombia – the cattleya orchid
Spain – the carnation
The carnation is a symbol of Spanish folklore and has been associated with the country for centuries. It’s a common sight at Spanish celebrations, including weddings, births, and funerals, and is also part of bullfights, flamenco dancing, and parades. A rich red carnation symbolizes deep love and affection, while a pale red carnation represents admiration. Carnations were traditionally used as a herb to treat pain, anxiety, and infection.
Argentina – erythrina crista-galli
The erythrina crista-galli, also known as ceibo or cockspur coral tree, was declared Argentina’s national flower in 1942. Legend has it that the ceibo originated when Anahí, a young Native American girl, was sentenced to die at the stake by invaders. As the fire grew, she transformed into a majestic tree covered with fiery red flowers. The ceibo is a symbol of bravery in Argentina and is celebrated in poetry, songs, and folklore. Additionally, the tree’s wood is used to craft the body of Argentina’s traditional drums, known as bombo leguero.
Peru – the cantutas
The cantutas, also known as Cantua buxifolia, is the sacred flower of the Incas and is also referred to as the Peruvian magic tree. In ancient Peru, the petals were used to decorate the roads that the Incas would pass through. In Peru, the. flower is threaded on strings to welcome people’s incorporated into hat designs. It is consecrated to the sun god, featured in traditional Andean festivities and funerals, and used in religious decorations.
The remaining countries and their respective flowers shown in the graphic are: Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras, Paraguay, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and Equatorial Guinea.
