Story Summary
Discover The Legend of the Poinsettia, a heartwarming Mexican folktale about a young girl whose humble gift of weeds transforms into beautiful crimson flowers.
In a small Mexican village, a young girl named Pepita was heartbroken as Christmas Eve approached. She was too poor to buy a gift for the baby Jesus at the church’s nativity scene. As she walked sadly toward the chapel, her cousin Pedro tried to console her, saying that even the humblest gift, if given with love, would be acceptable. Lacking anything else, Pepita gathered a bundle of common weeds from the roadside to create a modest bouquet. Feeling embarrassed, she entered the church and knelt before the manger. As she placed the weeds at the feet of the Christ child, a miracle occurred: the plain green leaves transformed into brilliant, star-shaped crimson blooms. The congregation gasped in awe at the beauty of the plants, which became known as 'Flores de Nochebuena'—the Flowers of the Holy Night.
The Moral
The value of a gift is measured by the love in the giver's heart rather than its material worth.
“Even the most humble gift, if given in love, is beautiful in the eyes of God.”
Fun Fact
The plant was introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, for whom the flower is now named.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Legend of the Poinsettia?
The moral is that any gift, no matter how small or simple, is precious when it is given with genuine love and devotion. It teaches that the spirit of the giver matters more than the cost of the object.
Where does the legend of the poinsettia come from?
The legend originates from Mexico, where the plant is native. It has been passed down through generations as a traditional Christmas folk tale explaining the flower's religious significance.
What are poinsettias called in Mexico?
In Mexico, they are called 'Flor de Nochebuena,' which translates to 'Flower of the Holy Night' or 'Christmas Eve Flower.'
Who is the main character in the poinsettia legend?
The story usually centers on a young, impoverished girl named Pepita (sometimes called Maria in different versions) and her cousin Pedro.
How did the weeds turn into poinsettias?
According to the legend, the weeds miraculously transformed into bright red flowers the moment Pepita placed them at the nativity altar as a selfless act of faith and love.
When is National Poinsettia Day celebrated?
National Poinsettia Day is celebrated on December 12th, marking the anniversary of the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man who first brought the plant to the United States.