Why are Poinsettias Chrstmas Flower?

[Nyboy]

Does the poinsettia have any religious meaning? Or is it just a red flower that blooms at the right time? PS. my father has one that blooms every year with no special care.

 

[OldGuy43]

The Poinsettia is native to Mexico and is know today in that country as "La Flor de la Nochebuena" (Flower of the Holy Night, or Christmas Eve). However, in Spain the Poinsettia has a different holiday attribution. It is known there as "Flor de Pascua", meaning "Easter flower".

The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. The tale goes that the child was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus

 

[Nyboy]

Old guy thank you. The legend of the poor girl with no gift is kind of like the drummerboy who was to poor for a gift. Makes you think how Christmas shouldn't be about pricey gifts, but simple things.

 

[Smiles Jr.]

. . . Makes you think how Christmas shouldn't be about pricey gifts, but simple things.

Boy we sure know how to mess that up, don't we?

 

[baymule]