The beautiful Christmas Pachelbel
What is Christmas without the wonderful Poinsettia? It was known to the Aztecs of Mexico as ‘cuetlaxochitl.’ They used the red leaves to dye clothing and made a healing potion of the milky sap. Anyone wearing red was considered sacred and pure. The “cuetlaxochitl” was also a symbol for lactating mothers.
Later, it was named after a horticulturist and missionary named Poinsett. The Poinsettia doesn’t have a true flower but instead, the coloured leaves are called bracts. In Christian symbolism the shape of the leaves represent the Star of Bethlehem that lead the wise men of the East to the Christ child.
flowers of the holy night,
Quetzalcoatl wings ignite
sacred motherhood in white.
Purity and blood combine,
star to flesh in heat enshrine –
Within us
radiance divine
I pray for the peace and comfort of all during this Christmas season and spiritual time of reflection as the old year passes. May tears be dried and smiles come easily. I hope that we will have beautiful memories and create new ones, and that we will give thanks for all we have and for the gift of those who have touched our lives. Happy Hanukkah to all celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights. (Dec 16-24)
and, missing and remembering our sweet Robin! Rest in peace darling girl.
Silent Peace
For all traditionalists among us-
from the Chieftains wonderful “Bells of Dublin” album, two beautiful old French carols; Il e ne and Ca Berger
“A small matter to make these silly folk so full of gratitude”–
ghost of Christmas Past
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Love the silence peace! Beautiful post.
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thanks a lot Amy!! I’m glad you enjoyed!!
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Thoroughly enjoyed listening to the music Cybele. Thanks so much for sharing.
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glad you enjoyed Suz!!!
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Remarkable Poinsettia photographs, dear Cybele.
Truly pretty.
Best wishes to you, Aquileana 😀
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thank you so much for stopping by!!!
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That’s a really beautiful poem Cybele . Wishing you blessings and peace through the holidays . What dreamy pictures to enjoy with my language skills I think I shall have to stick to the more familiar name of Poinsettia 😉
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thank you so much Poppy- yes that is a tongue twister!! 😀
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A really beautiful post, Cybele. Lovely Poinsettia images and interesting info too. Wishing you peace, joy and love. xx
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thank you so much Sylvia. Blessings to you as well!!
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Beautiful post Cybele, thanks!
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thank you Maria!!!
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Exquisitely beautiful and uplifting. The poem is amazing!
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thanks so much Scotia my long time friend!! 🙂 I’m always pleased that people read the post!!
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Poinsettia, I’d known it as Christmas flower and sure Christmas isn’t Christmas without these gorgeous looking red leaves.
Amen, to your peace loving prayer for all of us.
I pray that this season inspite of the hardships and loss that you have endured bring some peace and happiness to you.
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Thank you so much Norma!! Blessings!
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I love poinsettias! We have a few on our porch. Beautiful photos with your usual touch of fairy dust! 🙂
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thanks so much Laura!!
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You’re welcome!
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Lovely atmospheric photos – maybe I ought to get my decs up this weekend…
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Oh I have always done mine in the first week especially the lights This year it was a bit dribs and drabs. I’m still working on it. Thank you Six!
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Thank-you for all the info. and the beautiful tunes. All the best at this precious time of the year. Peace and happiness to all, and may the thoughts of your missing one be full of contentment and the comfort of enduring love.
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you are welcome db!! I so appreciate your wonderful thoughts!! Yes to all!
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What an informative post. I studied the Aztecs civilisation years ago at uni but didn’t know about that practice! Thanks Cybele.
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just a little info Chris. Thank you for reading! Actually I’ve read more extensively on the Mayans-but both fascinating cultures. I traveled through that area and visited the not so well known sites. How wonderful you studied it- you must have been in Mexico too!
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Thank you for the kind thoughts of the season and the facts about the plant. We don’t have any at the house because of the cats, but they certainly are a symbol of the season.
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you are most welcome Robert!!
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Always love the background info you provide, Cybele. Beautiful photos. Hope you find happiness in these winter holidays in spite of the hardships and loss you’ve experienced. ♥
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Thank you Debbie!!! and I wish you peace and joy of the season!
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