E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Star of Bethlehem (The),
botanically called ornithogalum. The French peasants call it “La dame d’onze heures,” because it opens at eleven o’clock. Called “star” because the flower is star-shaped; and “Bethlehem” because it is one of the most common wild flowers of Bethlehem and the Holy Land generally.
