Christmas has many symbols, and the deep red poinsettia is one of the most recognizable. The intense color symbolizes love, passion and the blood of Christ in the Christian faith. The native Mexican plant has been called “flame flower” or “painted leaf,” but became known as “poinsettia” after Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who sent some home in 1825, where they grew in popularity.

DAVID’S POINSETTIA PROGRESSION, PART IV
12.25.24