The bright red flower known as Poinsettia is a common sight during the Christmas holidays.

However, not many people know that this flower comes from Mexico and that it held an important place in Aztec society. With the arrival of the Spanish missioners and the merging of native and catholic traditions, the Poinsettia quickly became a staple of Christmas decorations.

Click play to hear the fascinating story of the Poinsettia or flor de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve flower):