The Legend of the Poinsettia

Christmas is a time for storytelling.  We watch A Christmas Carol on t.v. every year or go see The Nutcracker.  Santa movies are watched and rewatched and the story of the birth of Christ is read in church and performed by children worldwide.  The legend of the poinsettia is a charming story and reminds me that Christmas need not be filled with expensive gifts.  The story originated in Mexico where gold-gilded altars and old cathedrals lure foreigners and locals in for adoration and prayer.

Altar, Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City

The Parroquia, San Miguel de Allende

The story has many variations, but the gist of it goes something like this:  A little girl in Mexico wanted to bring a gift to the Baby Jesus at Christmas, but she was too poor to buy anything.  An angel appeared to her and told her to pick some weeds at the edge of the road.  The people laughed at her when she placed the scrawny ugly plant at the foot of the manger, but the dull green leaves then turned a brilliant red.  This beautiful flower has become a symbol of Christmas ever since.

San Miguel de Allende

Putting up Christmas Lights, Zocolo, Mexico City