What is the legend of the poinsettia at Christmas?

A Mexican legend tells of a girl who could only offer weeds as a gift to Jesus on Christmas Eve. When she brought the weeds into a church, they blossomed into the beautiful red plants we know as poinsettias, known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico (Spanish for “flowers of the holy night”).

What does a poinsettia symbolize?

In the United States and other countries, poinsettias symbolize the Christmas season and the miracles it celebrates. Since these winter plants are often red and green, they fit right in with the holiday hues. Poinsettias also mean joy, cheer, and success, regardless of their color.

Why are poinsettias a symbol of Christmas?

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity. The Poinsettia is also the national emblem of Madagascar.

What is the problem in the story The Legend of the Poinsettia?

Synopsis: In this legend from Mexico, a little girl, Lucinda, is proud to help her mother weave a new blanket for the Baby Jesus to be used in a Christmas procession. But when Lucinda’s mother takes ill, Lucinda tangles the yarn and is unable to complete the blanket.

How did poinsettias get their name?

Poinsettias received their name in the United States in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant into the country in 1828. Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.

When did poinsettias become part of Christmas?

So how did poinsettias and Christmas become intertwined? The poinsettia was first associated with Christmas in southern Mexico in the 1600s, when Franciscan priests used the colorful leaves and bracts to adorn extravagant nativity scenes.

How did the poinsettia get its name?

What is poinsettia named after?

Joel Roberts Poinsett
The poinsettia made its way to the United States when Joel Roberts Poinsett (for whom the plant is named after) brought them back to his home state of South Carolina in 1828.

Do poinsettias bring good luck?

While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.

What is the setting in the legend of the poinsettia?

The Legend of the Poinsettia is part of a series of legend adaptations by the incomparable author/illustrator Tomie dePaola. Set in a small village in Mexico, this title retells a traditional folktale from Mexico about how the poinsettia came to be associated with Christmas.

Where did the poinsettia originate?

southern Mexico
The poinsettia flower is native to Central America – specifically, an area in southern Mexico called “Taxco del Alarcon” – and the plants were used by the ancient Aztecs to make a purple dye for clothing and cosmetics. They also used the poinsettias’ milky white sap wax to create a medicine to treat fevers.

What was the poinsettias first used for by WHO Why?

The poinsettia was first associated with Christmas in southern Mexico in the 1600s, when Franciscan priests used the colorful leaves and bracts to adorn extravagant nativity scenes.