5 Flowers in Popular Legends and Myths
Whether in tales of providence, tragedy, rebirth, and true love, flowers are an essential part of storytelling all around the world, over different eras. These lovely blooms enrich stories with their vigor and create striking images with their beauty.
More than just providing embellishments, however, the flowers in these stories have influenced many cultural practices and ways of life. The legends passed on from generation to generation impact the meanings we relate to different flowers, which we then use for different occasions: to celebrate, to commemorate, and to comfort.
The reason why they're so relevant 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 around the world which feature distinct flowers with powerful meanings. Take a peek at this list to see your favorite flowers in a totally different light!
Anemone (Greek)
These charming red blooms are said to have been borne of the harrowing love story of Adonis and Aphrodite. Now you may recognize Adonis as the pinnacle of macho beauty in mythology, frequently compared to swoon-worthy men - and you're right!
In fact, he was so handsome 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 bolted after him and plowed him with its tusks. Aphrodite heard his cries and ran to be by his side, holding him as he bled to death.
Grieving 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 grew from Aphrodite's tears mixed with Adonis' blood.
Anemones continue to represent 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 appreciate every single moment with our loved ones.
Chrysanthemum (German)
While the chrysanthemum features more heavily in Eastern mythology, particularly in Japanese culture, this bright and joyful flower has a really special meaning in a notable German legend.
On a deathly cold Christmas eve, a poor family gathered around their table to share a measly meal. Their quiet night was interrupted by loud, repeated cries from outside their house. Curious, they opened the door to find a shivering pauper who was turning blue from the unforgiving winter.
They brought him inside immediately 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 beaming white clothes and a halo on his head. Lo and behold, he was the Christ Child in flesh.
Upon revealing himself, he left. 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 commemorate Christ. While this is a rich cultural custom, the call to be generous and compassionate even through hard times rings true for every person.
Lotus (Egyptian)
A lovely flower that flourishes in full bloom from murky waters, the lotus is seen as a symbol of purity, rebirth, and inner strength. This sentiment is shared by many cultures, but its earliest date goes back to Ancient Egyptian mythology.
The god Nefertum was thought to have been brought forth from a lotus flower, rising from the waters at the beginning of time. Known as the sun god, he stayed heavily linked to the lotus in several Egyptian myths.
In particular, he was connected with the blue lotus: its golden center was evocative of the sun's shining rays, while its vibrant blue petals were likened to the vast skies.
The similarities of the sun and the lotus hold a notably significant and inspiring meaning. 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 exalted as the god of healing and beauty, further affirming his connection with the marvels of life: not only with its beginnings and endings, but with sustaining and enriching it.
Narcissus (Greek)
There's a reason why the term "narcissist" is named after the mythological origin of this flower. Narcissist generally refers to someone who is so egotistic and self-absorbed that they ignore the world around them, much like the hunter called Narcissus in Greek mythology.
While loved by many for his handsome looks, Narcissus showed great scorn for anyone who became taken with him.
One day, the mountain nymph Echo saw him, instantly fell in love, and trailed after 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 broke away from her. The disgraced Echo hid in great shame for the remainder of her days, never to be seen again, with merely an echo of her voice left lingering.
Nemesis, the goddess of revenge, resolved to punish Narcissus for his callousness. Dooming him to love what he cannot have, she led him to a stream where he fell in love with his own reflection.
He remained by the water gazing at himself until he withered away from thirst and starvation. A white flower with a yellow heart later bloomed where he died, warning us about the traps of treating others with malice and putting ourselves before everyone else.
Rose (Roman)
Arguably the world's most famous flower, the rose has been a consistent image in folklore and mythology throughout many different cultures. But one universal symbolism they carry is that of true, fervent, boundless love.
This is never clearer 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 ardor reached a point where they abandoned worshipping Venus, the goddess of beauty.
Overcome with jealousy, Venus enlisted the help of her son, Cupid, in her crusade for vengeance. But upon setting out for his task, he fell in love with Psyche.
The smitten Cupid escaped with her to his private 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 became a servant for Venus. The goddess subjected her to many trials and torments, all of which she endured for love.
Cupid then rescued Psyche and pled to Jupiter, king of the gods, to marry her. Jupiter was deeply moved by their love and immediately expressed his favor.
Their wedding was a splendid celebration in the heavens, attended by all gods. Jupiter told his daughters to sprinkle the most beautiful, radiant roses all over the earth to honor their union.
At the heart of this fascinating story is the age-old but undeniably true message: true love conquers all. It can survive all challenges and troubles, because reaping the rewards of being with the people we love is more than enough to keep us going.