Floral Tales

5 Flowers in Famous Legends and Myths

Whether in tales of caution, tragedy, rebirth, and true love, flowers are an essential part of storytelling around the world, over different eras. These lovely blooms enrich tales with their vigor and create striking images with their beauty.

More than just providing embellishments, though, the flowers in these stories have influenced many cultural traditions and ways of life. The legends passed on from generation to generation affect the meanings we link to different flowers, which we then use for different occasions: to celebrate, to commemorate, and to comfort.

The main reason why they're so important is because the symbolisms of these flowers move, inspire, and teach us lessons in life.

That's why today, we're going to share with you five intriguing myths and legends all over the world which feature special flowers with powerful meanings. Have a look at this list to see your favorite flowers in a completely different light!

If you're interested in a formal course or wish to get certified as an expert on all things about flowers, we recommend checking out professional bodies and colleges in gardening and floristry such as the American Institute of Floral Designers of the AIFD (www.aifd.org), the American Floral Endowment (www.endowment.org), and other similar organizations offering programs specializing in floristry.

Anemone (Greek)

These bewitching red blooms are said to have been borne of the heartbreaking love story of Adonis and Aphrodite. Now you may recognize Adonis as the pinnacle of macho beauty in mythology, often compared to swoon-worthy men - and you're right!

As a matter of fact, he was so good-looking that he swept Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love herself, off her feet. She was so madly in love that she disregarded her godly responsibilities and even her own appearance.

One day, he went hunting and attacked a wild boar with his spear. Much to his surprise, the boar suddenly charged after him and plowed him with its tusks. Aphrodite heard his wails and raced to be by his side, holding him as he bled to death.

Mourning the loss of her mortal lover, the goddess sowed nectar on his blood, where dark red anemones later emerged as a symbol of her grief. In other versions of this story, the flowers sprang from Aphrodite's tears mixed with Adonis' blood.

Anemones continue to signify death, sorrow, and forsaken love to this day. But to put a more positive spin on this, these blooms remind us that life is fleeting, so we must cherish every moment with our loved ones.

Chrysanthemum (German)

While the chrysanthemum features more prominently in Eastern folklore, particularly in Japanese culture, this bright and joyful flower has a really special meaning in a famed German legend.

On a deathly cold Christmas eve, a poor family gathered around their table to share a measly meal. Their quiet night was disrupted by loud, repeated cries from outside their house. Curious, they opened the door to find a trembling beggar who was turning blue from the cruel winter.

They brought him inside right away and wrapped him in blankets to warm him up. They offered what scarce food they had for him to eat and be filled.

The man then removed the blankets to show his bright white clothes and a halo on his head. Lo and behold, he was the Christ Child in flesh.

Upon revealing himself, he departed. The only thing that was left of him was two chrysanthemums where he had stood.

Until today, Germans observe the tradition of bringing chrysanthemums into their home every Christmas eve to revere Christ. While this is a rich cultural custom, the call to be charitable and compassionate even through difficult times rings true for every person.

Lotus (Egyptian)

A gorgeous flower that flourishes in full bloom from murky waters, the lotus is considered a symbol of purity, rebirth, and resilience. This belief is shared by many cultures, but its earliest date goes back to Ancient Egyptian mythology.

The god Nefertum was said to have been born from a lotus flower, rising from the waters at the beginning of time. Known as the sun god, he remained heavily linked to the lotus in several Egyptian myths.

In particular, he was connected with the blue lotus: its golden center was reminiscent of the sun's shining rays, while its vibrant blue petals were likened to the vast sky.

The similarities of the sun and the lotus hold a notably significant and inspiring meaning. Just like the sun that rises and falls each day, the lotus opens its buds at daytime and closes them at night, embodying the cycle of life, of death and rebirth.

In addition, Nefertum was also worshipped as the god of healing and beauty, attesting to his association with the marvels of life: not only with its beginnings and endings, but with upholding and enriching it.

Narcissus (Greek)

There's a reason why the term "narcissist" is named after the mythological origin of this flower. Narcissist typically pertains to someone who is so egotistic and self-absorbed that they ignore the world around them, just like the hunter called Narcissus in Greek mythology.

While admired by many for his awe-striking looks, Narcissus showed great contempt for anyone who became taken with him.

One day, the mountain nymph Echo caught a glimpse of him, instantly fell in love, and followed him. But he eventually caught on and demanded to meet her. Echo revealed herself, throwing her arms around him in joy.

Narcissus viciously refused her and ran away from her. The disgraced Echo hid in great shame for the remainder of her days, never to be seen again, with only an echo of her voice left lingering.

Nemesis, the goddess of revenge, was determined to punish Narcissus for his callousness. Dooming him to love what he cannot have, she led him to a river where he fell in love with his own reflection.

He remained by the water gazing at himself until he wasted away from thirst and hunger. A white flower with a yellow heart later grew where he died, warning us about the pitfalls of treating others with cruelty and putting ourselves above everyone else.

Rose (Roman)

Arguably the world's most famous flower, the rose has been a constant image in folklore and mythology across several cultures. But one universal symbolism they carry is that of true, passionate, everlasting love.

This is never more clear than in the romantic tale of Cupid and Psyche. The youngest of three princesses, Psyche was a girl of astounding beauty, loved and admired by many people. Their adoration reached a point where they abandoned worshipping Venus, the goddess of beauty.

Overcome with envy, Venus enlisted the service of her son, Cupid, in her quest for vengeance. But upon setting out for his mission, he fell in love with Psyche.

The smitten Cupid escaped with her to his secluded palace, but warned her never to look at him. However, Psyche's jealous sisters found her and deceived her into gazing at him. Enraged, Cupid deserted her.

Grieving the loss of her lover, Psyche eventually became a servant for Venus. The goddess subjected her to many trials and torments, all of which she endured for love.

Cupid then freed Psyche and appealed to Jupiter, king of the gods, to marry her. Jupiter was strongly moved by their love and immediately expressed his approval.

Their wedding was a grand celebration in the heavens, attended by all gods. Jupiter told his daughters to scatter the most gorgeous, breathtaking roses all over the lands below to honor their union.

At the heart of this beautiful story is the age-old but unquestionably true message: true love conquers all. It can endure all challenges and hardships, because reaping the rewards of being with the people we love is more than enough to keep us going.

Flowers By Mendez & Jackel Location

Additional Information

Social Media Channels