Do you know how the Poinsettia became the plant we most associate with Christmas?
Folklore has the poinsettia associated with Christmas first in Mexico, in the 16th Century.
According to legend, a very poor Mexican girl named Pepita wanted to take a gift to the church
to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. She was so poor that all she could do was to gather
together a bouquet of weeds. When she brought the weeds to church, the little bouquet
blossomed into beautiful red flowers...the Poinsettias!
A Christmas miracle!!!
Poinsettias are now known in Mexico as the Flores de Noche Buena de Mexico...
Spanish for the "flowers of the holy night".
Franciscan Friars in Mexico began to use the Poinsettias in their Christmas celebrations
during the 17th Century. The shape of the "petal" (the red bracts really aren't the flower...the
yellow center is actually the flower) is said to symbolize the Star of David.
The red color symbolizes the blood of Jesus from the crucifixion.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!
Click on the images below to visit more little corners of the world,
or to see more beautiful flowers!!!
Ah, so that's its roots!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
It was a new one to me!!!
DeleteMerry Christmas, Kathy & Dan!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Petrea!
DeleteI didn't know that story, thanks! Merry Christmas to you and the Chief!
ReplyDeleteIt was new to me too Wayne!!! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
DeleteThat is a lovely story! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks LadyFi!!!
DeleteThank you , Merry Christmas :-)
ReplyDeleteHope yours was a merry Christmas Dirk!!!
Delete