Each year on December 12th, people across the United States celebrate one of the most recognized holiday plants: the poinsettia. The tradition traces back to 16th-century Mexico, where the plant first became associated with the Christmas season.
According to legend, a young girl wished to honor the birth of Jesus but had no gift to give because of her family’s poverty. Heartbroken, she prayed for guidance. An angel appeared and told her that any gift given with love would be accepted. The girl gathered simple roadside weeds and placed them beside the manger. Miraculously, the weeds transformed into vibrant red blooms shaped like stars—what we now know as poinsettias.
A special thank-you to Bloom & Things located in Albia for providing the beautiful poinsettia to help celebrate National Poinsettia Day.
