The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) was so named following an old legend that it sprouted in the snow in Bethlehem from the tears of a young girl, who had no gift to give Jesus.
Having seen all the other gifts given to the baby Jesus, she had searched in vain for a small gift of a flower, but had been unable to find anything growing in the snow. An angel saw her tears falling and turned them into a flower for her to give to baby Jesus. The legend gained strength when a poem was written about it in 15th Century Germany.
Christmas roses are often seen in the garden at this time of year, and are most noticeable at a time when there are not many other flowers.