At Christmas in Mexico, most houses display the Poinsettia.
Just as we have Holly, Misletoe and the Christmas Tree, the Mexicans have the
poinsettia. They believe that the beautiful plant brings a blessing that will
last all year. The tradition has existed since 1834 when a miracle occurred in
a tiny village.
In those days it was customary for people in the villages to
take gifts to the Baby Jesus at Christmas Eve. Little Maria, a poor peasant
girl had no gift, but she did so want to enter the church and see the Baby
Jesus in His crib.
She stood outside, watching others as they entered, carrying
their gifts. Some took food, some took crochet and lacework. Others carried
flowers. But little Maria had nothing. One lady passed her with a huge bundle
of flowers in her arms. As she walked by, a leaf fell from the enormous bunch
and landed at Maria’s feet. She picked it up and thought, “I will take this
leaf”.
Others saw Maria pick up the leaf and smiled as she
carefully wrapped it in her small handkerchief. And then, clutching her tiny
gift, Maria entered the church. She took her place at the end of the line of
people waiting to make their offerings. Then at last, it was Maria’s turn. She
stretched out her arm and carefully opened her fingers to place the leaf on the
altar in front of the crib.
There was a gasp from the adults who had seen Maria fold the
leaf into her tiny handkerchief. For as her fingers separated, it was seen that
the little peasant girl was now holding a beautiful flower. The miraculous
bloom was formed like a star with brilliant scarlet leaves.
Word of the miracle spread quickly through the church and
people fell to their knees. The gift of the Poinsettia came to be known as “The
Flower of the Holy Night”.
No comments:
Post a Comment