The poinsetia is known in Central America as the "Flower of the Holy Night". This blossom is a newer Christmas tradition beginning in the early nineteenth century when Dr. Joel Poinsett, our first ambassador to Mexico, introduced it to the United States. Its star shape reminds us of the Bethlehem star. Two legends have evolved from this flower. The first explains its origin. A little boy, having nothing to give the baby JESUS , prayed and as he did, the flower grew at his feet. He picked the blossom and gave it to the CHRIST child. The second legend tells us that the poinsettia was white representing the purity of CHRIST, but when JESUS died on the cross, the blossom changed to blood red. So the star-shaped poinsettia reminds us of the holy night pointing us toward Good Friday.