Mexican Christmas legend

Here are two different versions of a Mexican Christmas legend. They tell the stories of two young girls who do not have a gift for the baby Jesus. Both gather weeds to bring into the church and since they are gifts from the heart, the weeds miraculously transform into the brilliantly-coloured poinsettia.



The Legend of the Poinsettia
by Tomie DePaola


Lucida is the young girl whose prayer at the altar turns weeds into flowers. De Paola's folk-style artwork lend warmth to his words.





The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story
by Joanne Oppenheim
illustrated by Fabian Negrin


In Oppenheim's story, the transformation occurs as Juanita carries the weeds down the aisle. Negrin's beautiful pictures are dark and luminous. 


Both stories are wonderful additions to any holiday-themed library.