how did poinsettias become a christmas flower

The poinsettia is a popular Christmas flower that was originally introduced to America by botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett. Poinsett discovered the plant in Mexico and brought it back to the United States in the 1820s. It was later named after him. Poinsettias became popular during the Victorian era, when they were often used as decorations during the Christmas season. The red and green colors of the flowers were thought to symbolize the blood of Christ and the promise of eternal life, making them a natural choice for Christmas decorations.