Poinsettia

Christmas photo number 16.

I have a Poinsettia at home, and one of its little flower branches fell off. I managed to rescue it temporarily by placing it in an earthenware jug full of water and it seems to be doing ok. I was feeling creative today so I decided to take a picture of it through a whisky glass, so it looks like it's inside it! :)

The Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) is a shrub or small tree that comes from Mexico. The name apparently comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant in the US in 1828. In Mexico and Guatemala it's known as "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) and in Spain it's known as "Flor de Pascua" (Easter Flower).

The plant's association with Christmas dates back to the 16th century in Mexico. The legend goes that there was a girl who was too poor to get a present for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. This girl was inspired by an angel to go and gather some weeds from the roadside and she placed them in front of the church altar. From these weeds sprouted crimson blossoms which later became beautiful Poinsettias!

They have been included in Christmas celebrations in Mexico since the 17th Century. The star-shaped leaf pattern allegedly symbolises the Star of Bethlehem and the red colour the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus.

Today it was my first day back at work after five days off. It was quiet. Got lots of whisky to take home as well!

Gonna go now and get the ingredients for a chocolate birthday cake I'm making for a friend :)