Poinsettias

Traditionally in some countries villagers leave gifts at church on Christmas Eve for the Baby Jesus. There is a legend told in Mexico about a poor child in one village who wanted to give the Holy Child a gift but had no money to buy one. The only gift the child could bring was some weeds picked on the way to church. The child prayed to God to help this gift show love for Jesus and for it to be acceptable. The story continues that upon arriving at the altar the weeds turned into beautiful star-shaped red flowers. In Mexico the bright red flowers are known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night. They bloom each year during the Christmas season.

Actually the poinsettia has colored leaves that grow in the shape of a flower. Poinsettias come in many different colors: red, white, green, burgundy, etc. Many families, throughout the world, now decorate their homes with poinsettias during the Christmas season.

This page was created
for Ross Elementary School
Last updated 12/12/07