Narcissus-like

11.1 Narcissus-like

Narcissus has two types of meaning.

First of all, it is the botanical name of a flower (also called Daffodils) and belongs to the amaryllis family. Most of the genus is mainly at home in Europe “and includes a number of garden ornamentals”. ¹

Narcissuses blossom in spring. The center of a Narcissus is its crown which differs in color (yellow, white or pink) and form (trumpet or ringlike cup).

Meaning and Symbolism

The narcissus symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. Some may argue that Narcissus or Daffodil is “virtually synonymous with spring.” ² The flower not only marks the end of the winter season, but it also is “a lucky emblem of future prosperity which is found throughout the world.” ³

Second, Narcissus is a well-known figure. In Greek mythology, Narcissus “was so impossibly handsome that he fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water.” ¹ He was admired by everyone. Women started to faint in his presence and men wanted to be just like him.

Although Narcissus was a man of strikingly outward beauty, “inside [he] was a rotting corpse of pride and vanity.” ² The only one he cared about was himself and he did not mind hurting others.

One day, Narcissus got lured to a pool of water where he fell in love with his own reflection. When he realized that his image would never repay his love, he “despaired and took his own life.” ³ At the spot where he died a Narcissus flower emerged with a characteristically radiant face and a bent neck, just like Narcissus.

Meaning and Symbolism

This lore is a warning. Self-love, too much pride and vanity “actually restrict our range of perception and action and, ultimately, our potential as human beings.” ⁴ In a sense, being too wrapped up in ourselves, people slowly kill themselves, because they lose sight of their bigger picture. Eventually, in the end, our ego or our self is just an illusion, a dream.