By Kate Evans, The Morgan Messenger
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Flowering plants that have long been associated with the Christmas season can brighten your home at the holidays with their brilliant colors. Some flowers have special symbolism while others derive their Christmas significance from legends or myths.
Poinsettia
The most well-known Christmas flower is the poinsettia, which is also known as the Christmas Star, Winter Rose, the Mexican flame flower, painted leaf or nochebuena, which means the Christmas Eve flower. It is native to Mexico and Central America.
The poinsettia was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico and a botanist.
The poinsettia features striking red and green foliage. Its star-shaped leaf pattern is said to represent the Star of Bethlehem and its red hue symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed in the crucifixion. It is a centerpiece of many Christmas floral displays.
