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The association of flowers with the celebration
of Christmas is something, which is perennial. Christmas Rose is a
celebrated English plant that is regarded as a true Christmas
flower. It is sometimes called the Snow or Winter Rose. It blooms
during the winter season in the mountains of Central Europe.
According to legends the flower is linked with the birth of Christ
and a modest shepherd maiden named Madelon. As Madelon tented her
sheep one cold and wintry night, wise men and other shepherds passed
by the snow-covered field where she was with their gifts for the
Christ Child. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and
frankincense and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves. Poor
Madelon began to weep at the thought of having nothing to offer, not
even a simple flower for the Newborn King, as she was very poor
indeed. And as she stood there weeping, an angel passing saw her
sorrow, and stooping he brushed aside the snow at her feet revealing
a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - the Christmas rose.
Also in northern and central Europe it is a tradition to break off a
branch of a cherry tree at the beginning of the Advent and keep it
in water in a warm room; the flowers should burst into bloom at
Christmas time.
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