Daffodils
In this article, Bella explains the in-depth history and mythology of daffodils, along with some fun facts.
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The Flower Named after A Myth
The Flower Named after A Myth
By: Bella Eichmann
By: Bella Eichmann
Daffodils are known as the birth flower of March. They symbolize spring and renewal, with their bright golden petals and elegant, trumpet-like centers lighting up any garden or vase they reside in. This flower has been loved for centuries for its beauty and symbolism, and is a staple of many homes around the world. However, daffodils also go by another name, Narcissus, originating from the scientific name Narcissus pseudonarcissus, which comes from the Greek Myth of Narcissus.
The Greek myth that inspired the naming of the flower is a story about the mortal hunter, Narcissus, who was born from the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. Narcissus' mother, Liriope, was told by the prophet Tiresias, that he would only live a long life if he failed to recognize himself. In other words, he was cursed to die if he ever looked at his reflection. Narcissus was exceptionally beautiful and loved by everyone, yet there were none to whom he ever returned the affection.
There is a story about Narcissus that involves the legend of Echo as well. This story from Cornell College starts out with Echo, who was a nymph. She destined to a fate that she could only repeat others words. One day, she saw Narcissus, and instantly fell in love with him, like everyone else. She followed him through the woods but could only repeat his words. Narcissus then rejected her, and she ran to hide. She then wasted away, pining for him. "She is now forever hiding amongst the leaves and caves in the forest. Her body is gone but her bones became rocks and her voice remains and can be heard in mountain valleys and in caves." This is how the ancient Greeks explained the sound that reflects off of hard surfaces after a delayed time, also known as an echo.
After the gods saw how Narcissus had rejected all who confessed their love to him, they fated him to never have anything that he loves. One day, Narcissus went to get a drink while he was out hunting, and saw his reflection in the water. He instantly fell in love with it, so much so that he could not even move. Every time he had tried to grab the image, he failed, which made him even more infatuated with himself. It was there that he stayed, pining for his own image, until he wasted away. There is another version of this story, though. When the nymphs came to mourn him and set up his funeral, all that remained was a flower. This flower was the Narcissus, otherwise known as the daffodil.
Surprisingly, the story behind their name is not the only intriguing thing about these flowers. According to The National Garden Scheme, "Daffodil is the official common name for any plant that falls under the genus Narcissus, including jonquils, paperwhites, and others. But most people use the term 'daffodil' to refer to the familiar trumpet-shaped springtime blooms.” This flower originated in Europe and Northern Africa, eventually being distributed around many parts of the world for their popularity, Though, an article from PennState Extension states that "daffodils are only a recent fashion for gardens. They did not become popular as ornamentals until the late 1800s, long after tulips were all the rage.” There are also at least 50 different known species of Narcissus, and up to 13,000 hybrids. The majority of these species are found in the Iberian Peninsula and the mountains of Algeria and Morocco.
The history of daffodils is intertwined with mythology. They represent rebirth and renewal, which is fitting for the month of March. This month is known for its constantly changing conditions but brings the promise of spring and warmer months to come. Hopefully, that will be true for this year, as well.
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