Today, I'd like to share with you a little trivia about the poinsettia, the beloved flower of Christmas here in the United States.
Bright, flaming red, star-shaped Poinsettias are known as 'Flower of the Holy Night' or 'Flame Leaf' in the United States. One of the most popular flowers in Central America, it was brought here by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, over a hundred years ago. Still most of the supply of this famous beloved Christmas flower in American cities is said to come from California and the folklore attached to it comes from Mexico. Like Christmas Rose, this flower also represents the deep love for Christ and great devotion of a pure innocent human being to baby Jesus. However, in this instance, the devotees were two beautiful, naïve children who were not so fortunate as their friends to have enough money to do what their heart yearns for.
These poor children from Mexico were known as Maria, the sister and Pablo, her dear little brother. Just like all the other children in the village, they were looking forward to the Christmas festival and the annual Nativity play in which a large manger scene was set up in the village church. The season was full of parades and parties that were mainly centered around this church and all the people, especially children, used to gift presents to the baby child on Christmas Eve. Now, these two children loved Christ and the season of His birth very much but did not have any money to buy something for the baby Jesus. They ardently wished to buy something special for the Christ Child but couldn't even buy the simplest of things for Him.
They were sad at heart and were quite disheartened by their poverty and misery when they set out for church to attend the service. They took the longer route in a vague hope to find some blossoms to give the child but couldn't find any. Finally, they picked up some wild weeds growing along the roadside as a gift for the Baby, squared their shoulders and approached the Church door. But how cruel little children can be, when they start teasing their fellow mates. Yet, Maria and Pablo braved their way to the manger and placed the greenery carefully around the manger. What happened next was the biggest surprise for all that were present! Bright red star-shaped flowers burst forth from the weeds and looked most sparkling of all gifts that the Christ child had received that day.
(written by Christmas World)
A legend was born and another Christmas tradition was added to our celebrations and festivities. All over the United States, we enjoy the beauty of this lovely red flower at Christmas.
Card:
Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, All Holidays
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Card Stocks, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Aquapainters
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