- The Flowers of Christmas

 

Barbados, being a tropical country, does not have a winter season with snow and plunging temperatures, but there are signs that the Christmas season is approaching - the temperature drops a little (especially at night), the breeze picks up a bit, and of course the colours of Christmas appear across the island in the form of flowering plants that make their presence felt at this special time of the year.

One of the most beautiful signs is the Poinsettia. The Poinsettia is a traditional holiday adornment used to decorate tables, patios and entryways but is often found at its most beautiful growing outside in the gardens of many Barbados homes.

The legend of the Poinsettia comes from Mexico where it is said that two poor children made their way to the annual village Christmas festival but were saddened by the fact that they had no gifts to lay at the manger. On the way to the festival they stopped and picked some weeds growing along the roadside. They lay these plants at the manger but were teased by the other children. Suddenly however the green plants turned into bright red petals, surrounding the manger with the lovely flowers that we know as the Poinsettia.

Another beautiful flower that comes into full bloom during the "winter" is the "Christmas Candle". These yellow flowers truly do resemble candles and when found growing in large number they create a spectacular scene!

As you drive around Barbados at this time of the year, you will often spot our local snow - the "Snow on the Mountain" plant. If you are really lucky you might even see Poinsettia plants growing among the Snow on the Mountain, creating a lovely mix of red and white.

Snow On The Mountain

 The Christmas Parade  |  A Caribbean Christmas Poem

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