Christmas: Flowers and legends

Flowers pertaining to Christmas are admired and liked by us.

For example, the holly with its emerald green acutely sharp leaves represent the thorns on Christ's crown, its rich foliage symbolizes eternal life and red berries indicate Christ's blood shed on the cross.

Some holly shrubs have white berries that designate the purity of Christ and its green stems symbolize the cross. Those that are black or deep brown His death.

The blue rosemary has a legend of its own. It says that this flower received its colour when Mary laid her blue cloak on the bush as the Holy Family dried to run away from King Herod's band of assassins.

Mistletoe and Ivy always remain fresh and green symbolizing eternal life.

Saint Boniface introduced the tradition of the Christmas Tree in the 18th century. He assumed this triangular shaped tree represented the Holy Family. Another legend says that Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus hid in some cedar trees (evergreen pines with needle-like leaves and cones) to escape Herod's soldiers who were to capture them for a price.

Poinsettias have another name - flowers of the Holy Night. They are the purest and most essential Christmas flowers that turn brilliantly red during the season. The shape of the petal-like leaves remind us of the Star of Bethlehem which guided the three "wise men to locate Baby Jesus" manger. Other stories preserved by tradition connect this plant with Christmas.

A Mexican legend says that a peasant girl was on her way to church on Christmas Eve. She was poor and didn't have a gift to place in the manger replicated in her church, so she gathered wayside weeds and mode a small bouquet.

Children jeered at her humble gift. When the girl placed it in the manger, it was miraculously transformed into the red poinsettias we see today.

Another folk story tells us that a poor boy prayed ardently for a gift to give the infant Jesus. To his surprise a poinsettia sprang up at his feet. He plucked it as a present for the Christ Child.

The 'Little Match Girl' is a poignant Christmas story. She tried to sell some boxes of matches on Christmas Eve, but there were no responses from passers-by. Discouraged and weary she lay down on the steps of a mansion where the wealthy people were celebrating Christmas.

She eventually fell asleep in the bitter cold winter's night. The next day, those wealthy guests found her dead, clutching a box of matches in her little, frozen hand. It is believed that a Christmas angel had taken her in her arms away to heaven.

Gifts are given on Christmas day to imitate the three Wise Men who presented the infant with gold, frankincense and myrrh.Carols sung during the season afflict our feelings.

I think the loveliest of all is 'Silent Night' It brings back to mind the wonder of a baby born in a stable who grew up to be our Saviour and heavenly king.

In traditions and customs, so many flowers and legends recall Christmas stories that are penetrating and relevant.

- by Caryl Nugara