Wednesday Open Line


Poinsettias, with their contrast of brilliant red against green, are an established part of the color and tradition of the holidays. But many may be unaware that they are named for a real person — Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, honored on this day, the anniversary of his death. He was a U.S. diplomat who developed his lasting legacy and symbol of Christmas from a flower he found while stationed in Mexico in the early 19th century. Poinsett also represented South Carolina in Congress and later served as secretary of war. Americans spend almost $31 billion a year at the nation’s nearly 16,000 nurseries and garden centers on such items as poinsettias. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.