The Poinsettia Tradition

Poinsettias have been a long standing tradition at Graylyn. The poinsettias are here – all 200. Once the poinsettias are placed, everyone knows the holiday season is in full swing. The Manor House comes alive when they appear almost magically. You will see poinsettias at every turn. The poinsettias are flowing out of the Sunroom, Lobby and Main Dining Room fireplaces.

Native to Central America the plant flourished in Southern Mexico. The poinsettia was first used for medicinal and practical purposes by the Aztecs. They referred to the plant as Cuetlaxochitl. The Aztecs used the milky white sap, today called latex, to treat fevers.

The poinsettia was introduced to the United States only a few short years ago in 1828. Joel Roberts Poinsett discovered the winter blooming plant when serving as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico appointed by President John Qunicy Adams. Though he attended medical school, his first love was botany. While visiting Taxco, he became enchanted with the brilliant red flower. He immediately sent some back to Greenville, South Carolina to grow in his greenhouses. He began sending them to friends and botanical gardens. Thus, began the tradition of purchasing and decorating with poinsettias during the holiday season under the botanical name, Euphorbia Pulcherrima. It is said that the first reference to the more popular name, poinsettia, came in 1836. I wonder from where it was derived…

Poinsett also founded the institution that we know as the Smithsonian Institute.

Deck the halls!

Every year, Graylyn is decorated for the holiday season before December arrives. Graylyn has 8 trees to decorate for the season. Each tree carries a different theme. Some themes include a family tree with Gray family photos set in the Living Room, under the sea tree in our Atlantis Room and the Scottish terrier tree commemorating the Gray's love of their Scottish terriers, Butter & Scotch, located in the Grille Room. Combined, the trees have 6,500 plus mini white lights strung on them! The trees are fluffed and strung with lights by hand totaling 8 plus hours of labor. The outside is adorned with 25 plus wreaths throughout property; most noticeably on the manor house. Even the light posts have bows.

The stair tower will hold 60 plus feet of fresh garland. This is also the location of the gingerbread houses, the Manor House and newly added Bernard Cottage, decorated by Graylyn's culinary team.

Poinsettias are expected to arrive on November 30th. There are 200 plus red and white poinsettias set throughout the manor house. Three fireplaces will be filled with poinsettias; Sunroom with 24 white, Lobby with 17 red and Main Dining Room with 15 white.

Graylyn is not open to the public for tours. I encourage you to visit us for a holiday celebration with family, friends or co-workers. You can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season in the 2nd largest home in North Carolina. Santa will also be visiting Graylyn on December 5th and 12th. Check our web site for details.

'Tis the season! Remember to enjoy the holiday season. Don't let the stress of decorating, baking, shopping...leave you saying, "Bah. Humbug." Be merry!