where does the tradition of poinsettias come from
Poinsettia The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or Maria, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar.[12] Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias.[13] From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations.[14] The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus.[15]