Poinsettia: euphorbia pulcherrima (Most Beautiful)A Mexican Christmas legend tells the story of two young Mexican children who were very poor. It was the custom of their village to leave a gift each year at the foot of the manger in the nativity display at the local church. Because the children had nothing to bring, the legend says that they gathered weeds from a nearby field to place at the manger. Miraculously on Christmas day, the leaves sprouted beautiful red flowers that completely surrounded the manger.
The first United States ambassador to Mexico was appointed from 1825 to 1829. His name was Joel Roberts Poinsett. The Frenchman lived in South Carolina where he owned a plantation. On one of his trips to Mexico, he discovered this beautiful red plant – the Mexican Christmas flower. He immediately sent some of them home to his own greenhouses to be reproduced and sent around the world.
(Joel Poinsett also founded the Smithsonian Institution.)
2 comments:
Hi Donna -
Poinsettias always remind me of my grandmother. She loved them, and even purchased wrapping paper with poinsettia designs.
Thanks for the background on a plant that's become a Christmas tradition in the United States.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I'm so glad you liked it. My husband gets me one every Christmas. I'm blessed.
Post a Comment