Flores de los Buenas Noches

Otherwise known as a Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

As you know we did a concert this year. It was about Christmas around the world. The country we chose for my class was Mexico and the story of the Poinsettia and why it is associated with Christmas.

Christmas is a very special time of year in Mexico and Latin America. Large Nativity scenes are set up outside churches and, on Christmas Eve, people bring gifts to the crib.

The story is told that some poor children were once on their way to the Nativity scene at their local church but they were embarrassed because they could not even afford to make a gift to take.

Suddenly and angel appered to them on the side of the road and told them to pick some weeds to take as their gift. They were very surprised at the instruction but knew that angels were sent from God.

They put the weeds in front of the crib and as they prayed, the weeds turned into beautiful star shaped blooms - a miracle said everyone who saw it. Ever since then the plants have been known as Flores de los Buenas Noches - flowers of the holy night - and they are brought into homes to remind people of God's promise at Christmas time.(

They are spectacular plants. Of course, the red parts aren't flowers at all but bracts. The actual flowers are right in the middle, like little jewels.

By the way, have caught up on my blips for earlier this week. Am feeling a lot better and hoping that I've seen the lurgy off for Christmas.