What is the symbolism of the color red in The Scarlet Letter? (Quotes with page numbers would be especially helpful)

Hawthorne makes much use of the the Red Letter A within his novel; at various times, it stands for "Adulteress," "Able," "Angel," and at one point he invites the reader to determine its meaning for him or her self.  There's also references to Pearl's red dress, and the red rosebush; at one point the governor refers to Hester as a scarlet woman. These are just a few examples; red may mean passion, embarrassment, or blood, to name a few.