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NATIONAL CA POPPY DAY; APRIL 16
California Poppy Day is celebrated on April 6. The California poppy, also known as the golden poppy, California sunlight, or cup of gold, is a flower species native to the United States and Mexico. The California poppy is grown as an ornamental plant and blossoms during the summer, with cup-shaped flowers displaying a brilliant color range of red, orange, and yellow. The California poppy is also edible and is mostly served as garnish. The flower became the official state flower of California in 1903. The California poppy is an annual plant and is best cultivated in full sun and, well-drained, loamy soil. It usually cannot survive extremely cold climates.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA POPPY DAY
In California’s earlier days, the Spanish divided the region into two parts namely Baja California and Alta California, to exist as provinces of New Spain (Mexico.) Baja California was the area between the Baja Peninsula and California. Alta California had indefinite territories to the North and South of it as the Spanish, had claimed all of what is now the western United States. On October 15, 1697, the first permanent (Christian) mission in Baja California, Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó, was established, by a Jesuit priest known as Juan Maria Salvatierra. He arrived at the location on a small boat comprising the crew and six soldiers. Following the establishment of Missions in Alta California, the Spanish administered Baja California and Alta California as a single unit, a part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, and with Monterey as the capital.
The Spanish settlement of Alta California was the final colonization attempt to expand Spain’s empire in North America. The presence of the Spanish in the region was responsible for and contributed to several notable conflicts and clashes. California’s remoteness, lack of organized tribes in large numbers, and agricultural traditions made it difficult for the Missions to establish and sustain their presence, thereby making the area unattractive to many other potential colonists. The proposed settlement of California was made possible on the back of a few individuals financed by the Church and State.
Since 1900, California has rapidly grown to become an agricultural and industrial power. In the early 20th century, California’s economy was widely based on specialized agriculture, oil, tourism, shipping, and film. 1940 marked the beginning of advanced technology such as in the aerospace and electronics industries where Silicon Valley has now become the world’s center for computer innovation.
CALIFORNIA POPPY DAY TIMELINE
1697First Mission in Baja California
The first Spanish mission in Baja California is established.
1769 — 1821Spanish Colonization of California
The Spanish colonization era of California’s history takes place.
1848 — 1855The California Goldrush Takes Place
The California Goldrush takes place.
1903The California Poppy Becomes the State Flower
The California Poppy becomes the official state flower of California.
CALIFORNIA POPPY DAY FAQS
What is California Poppy Day?
California Poppy Day, celebrated on April 6, is the official state holiday for the state of California, and is meant to honor the California poppy.
Are all poppies red?
Poppies come in a variety of colors ranging from red to orange and yellow. Hence, not all poppies are red.
When do poppies blossom?
Poppies do not do well in extreme cold, hence the best time for them to blossom is between the Summer and Autumn seasons.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT POPPIES
- Poppies are medicinal Poppies have been said to be useful for treating muscle aches as well as other minor ailments.
- Poppies are edible Poppies can be eaten, or otherwise used in garnishment in the presentation of food.
- Poppies are opioids Poppies contain opium properties and are used in making medical opiates such as morphine.
- Poppy seeds are long-lasting Poppy seeds can remain active in fertile soil for as long as eight years.
- Poppies blossom mostly in the summer Poppies blossom the most between Summer and Autumn, and the best time to see them bloom is between June and October.
#NATIONALCAPOPPYDAY
