Poinsettia...Symbol Of Purity.

These lovely plants date back to the Aztecs in the 14th century and can grow in the wild up to 12 ft high. The leaves were used to dye cloth and the sap to control fevers. Red being their symbol of purity, the plants were used in religious ceremonies, one being, The Lady Of Guadalupe. The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico where legend tells of a girl, Pepita or Maria who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. An angel inspired her to gather weeds from the roadside and place them by the Altar. Then crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and came to be known as Poinsettias.