The Legend of the Poinsettia

The Introduction       
    Every year my grandmother puts out a poinsettia plant in her window.  I have always wondered why she puts out that red, star-shaped flower out.  I did some research and it turns out there is a whole story behind it.  The story takes place in Mexico with a girl named Pepita.
The Legend
    Pepita and her cousin, Pedro, were walking to the chapel in their small village.  It was tradition that everyone in town had to bring a gift to offer to the baby Jesus.  She could not afford a gift so she felt sad.  Her cousin told her, trying to cheer her up, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, would be acceptable.  

    Pepita didn't know what to do, so she knelt down on the ground and picked some weeds.  She put them in a small bouquet and walked into the chapel.  She that she felt so embarrassed almost started to cry.  As she walked towards the alter she remembered her cousin's words.  She place the bouquet at the foot of the Nativity scene.  At that instant, the weeds miraculously bloomed vivid red flowers.  This was truly a Christmas miracle.
     This story teaches us that it does not matter how extravigent a gift is.  What matters is that it is gven with love.
The Description
     The poinsettia, when full grown, can reach anywhere from 2 to 16 feet.  It is mainly found and is native to Mexico.  Their leaves are usually a brilliant red but can be orange, pale green, cream, pink, or white.  In order for them to get their bright color they have to be in complete darkness for at least 12 hours and during the day, be in bright sunlight during the day.
Who plants poinsettias?
     One of the largest cultivaters of poinsettia plants is the Ecke Ranch.  Until the 1990's, the Ecke ranch basicly had control of the poinsettia market.  This was the result for grafting two kinds of poinsettia together to get a more full plant.  In the 1990's, the method of grafting the two breeds together was discovered and published.  Soon many companies started producing more of the plants.  The company moved into Latin America and started buisness there.  Today, Paul Ecke III is the owner of the ranch.  Despite the competion, the Ecke ranch still produces 70% of the poinsettias in the U.S. and 50% of them world wide.
The Conclusion
    conclusion, the poinsettia plant has a rich history.  The legend got me thinking.  Do you think more people appreciate the gifts they get, even if they are very humble, or do people onlt want- and expect- the priciest gifts.  I would love to hear your opinion on the matter.

Check this video out if you want to know how to decorate with poinsettias
Further reading-
http://www.ecke.com/new1/poinsettias.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poinsettia