Legend of the Poinsettia

Description

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside.

This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

Lucida’s mother is honoured to when asked to weave a new blanket for the Christ Child for the Christmas Procession, the entire village is involved in various preparations. Mother is taken to the hospital sick and is not able to finish the weaving. Lucida tries but is unable, as the village process in and old woman explains to Lucia that a gift given in love is most appropriate. Lucida takes in a pile of ‘weeds’ which when placed at the crib bloom into Poinsetta flowers,