Poinsettia : Flor De Noche Buena

The Christmas Flower gets its name because it blooms at Christmas time. It is used to decorate the Nativity Crib, tables and rooms during this holiday. According to Historian Aragón Leyva, Aztecs called it "Cuetlaxochitl", which means "the flower that fades". Franciscan friars carried this flower to altars to bedeck the Feast of Christmas, which became custom throughout México. United States diplomat Joel Poinsett brought the Christmas flower to North America. The flower's popularity spread to South America, Europe and soon other parts of the world, carrying the name of the diplomat. In México it is still known as the Christmas Eve Flower "Flor de Noche Buena" and in some parts of Central America it is known as "Pascua". The Christmas flower begins to appear with its bright colors from the beginning of December through January.