Origin of the Sunflower

Rosa and Artemio were two happy lovers who had exchanged vows of eternal love. They were in the first flush of youth and happiness and were therefore fully confident of the future. Artemio’s faith in Rosa was not to be shaken by the stories circulated by gossips concerning any possible change in the love of his sweetheart.

As years passed, Rosa’s love slowly waned until finally she declared her desire to estrange herself from Artemio. Artemio’s remonstrances could not dissuade her from her determination to cut the bonds that had bound them. The poor man would go to Rosa’s garden daily, and, from a hidden corner, would gaze at the inconstant girl whom he could not forget.

The unfortunate man rapidly pined away and was one day found dead at his daily haunt. Here he was buried. After a few months, a plant sprouted from the place. Its flower constantly faced the sun as Artemio gazed at Rosa. This plant died after bearing its first flower just as Artemio had died after the death of his first love.