The Star of Bethlehem Flower

Did you know that the Star of Bethlehem flower, a symbol of purity and love, can be baked into bread. Truly. So let’s take a step back and take that in. Christ was born in Beth-le-hem, the house of bread, and the pure white flower resembling a star in honor of the Christ Child can be made into a floured bread.

How amazingly Eucharistic is that!

Further, it is a bread that one might assume is for human consumption only as the flower is safe to humans but toxic to animals. It may also serve as an antidote to certain diseases. Here is a little more background…

In addition to being called the star of Bethlehem flower, these plants are also known as the Arabian and wonder flower, as well as ‘the florist’s nightmare.’ The latter title is due to the fact that these plants are not only vigorous in their growth habits, but they also have an exceptionally long shelf life – lasting at least two weeks, sometimes longer. The star of Bethlehem flower is best known for its biblical associations. Because of its pure white, star-like shape, it was named after the star that rose over Bethlehem to reveal the birth of the baby Jesus. However, these plants are not only fantastic in name, but fantastic in function. Although it is not widely known, these flowers have many uses in both the culinary world, and the world of folk medicine. Although star of Bethlehem Flowers are considered highly toxic to animals, most species are thought to be perfectly safe for human consumption, and the bulbs are frequently dried and ground. The flowers themselves are occasionally baked into uniquely-flavored breads.

http://flowerinfo.org/star-of-bethlehem-flower