Christmas Flower

This is one of the small things you take for granted as its part of your own culture. The other day, a good friend of mine from Xi'an asked me why we can see this flower almost everywhere during Christmas time...

Its common name is Ponsetia or Easter flower. It is originally from Mexico.The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th century in that country, where legends tells that a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias.

From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations, until nowadays