is there a point...

...to the poinsettia plant

of course - there is...

we see them - immediately thinking of the holidays - all we need to do - what awaits us, as they (the holidays - not the poinsettias) approach in december... we see these plants in abundance, everywhere! used to be they were just brilliant, velvety red... now they've been hybrid into white, pink, salmon, pink and white combined - you name it, it's out there... but i wondered how it all began - so did a bit of high tech investigating...

the plant's association with christmas began in 16th century mexico - legend tells of a young girl - too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of jesus' birthday - said girl was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside - then place them in front of the church altar... crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds - becoming beautiful poinsettias... from the 17th century - franciscan friars in mexico have included the plants in their christmas celebrations... the star-shaped leaf pattern - said to symbolize the star of bethlehem while the red color represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of jesus...

i also found - but hadn't known - here in the united states, dec 12 is national poinsettia day... go poinsettia! i've found they're relatively easy care - had one hanging on until a while ago... i think the shock of moving was too much for it though - so i've gotten this new one - called a double poinsettia - in the traditional velvet red color - i think it's truly gorgeous... full of life and many blossoms - i'm hopeful it will provide me many...

a

happy day.....