History of the Poinsettia

Legend tells of a young girl who walked to a Christmas church service in a small Mexican village. It was traditional to bring gifts to lay before the nativity scene for Jesus, but the child lamented she was too poor and had nothing to offer.

Suddenly, an angel appeared, explaining that even the simplest gift, offered in a spirit of love, would be acceptable.

So the girl gathered a bouquet of weeds from the roadside and presented them humbly at the foot of the manger. As she did, the leaves burst into blooms of brilliant red. Since then, the plant has been associated with Christmas and known as the Flower of the Holy Night, commonly referred to as the poinsettia.