What is the history behind the Christmas poinsettia plant?

The Christmas poinsettia plant is native to Mexico and has a rich history in Mexican culture. It is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the United States in the early 19th century.

According to legend, a young girl in Mexico who was too poor to buy a gift for the baby Jesus was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. The weeds miraculously turned into beautiful red flowers, which became known as Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night. The poinsettia plant became associated with Christmas and the story became part of Mexican Christmas tradition.

The poinsettia plant became popular in the United States in the 20th century, thanks in part to its use in a Christmas display at the White House in 1913. Since then, the poinsettia has become a popular Christmas decoration, symbolizing peace and goodwill.