Whether in stories of caution, tragedy, rebirth, and true love, flowers are an important part of storytelling all around the world, over different eras. These extraordinary blooms enrich stories with their vigor and create striking images with their beauty.
More than providing embellishments, however, the flowers in these tales have influenced many cultural traditions and ways of life. The myths passed on from generation to generation impact the meanings we associate with different flowers, which we then use for different occasions: to celebrate, to commemorate, and to console.
The main reason why they're so valuable is because the symbolisms of these flowers excite, inspire, and teach us lessons in life.
That's why today, we're going to tell you five interesting myths and legends around the world which feature distinct flowers with powerful meanings. Have a look at this list to see your favorite flowers in a totally different light!
If you're interested in a formal course or want to get certified as an expert on all things about flowers, we recommend looking into 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 charming red blooms are said to have been borne of the heartbreaking love story of Adonis and Aphrodite. Now you may know Adonis as the pinnacle of manly beauty in mythology, frequently compared to swoon-worthy men - and you're right!
As a matter of fact, he was so attractive that he swept Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love herself, off her feet. She was so madly in love that she disregarded her godly obligations and even her own appearance.
One day, he went hunting and struck a wild boar with his spear. Much to his surprise, the boar suddenly chased after him and plowed him with its tusks. Aphrodite heard his wails and dashed to be by his side, holding him as he bled to death.
Lamenting the loss of her mortal lover, the goddess scattered nectar on his blood, where dark red anemones later rose up as a symbol of her grief. In other versions of this tale, the flowers grew from Aphrodite's tears mixed with Adonis' blood.
Anemones still symbolize death, grief, and forsaken love to this day. But to put a more positive spin on this, these flowers 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 mythology, particularly in Japanese culture, this bright and joyous flower has a really precious 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 calm 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 cruel winter.
They brought him inside right away and wrapped him in blankets to warm him up. They offered what little 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 remained of him was two chrysanthemums where he had stood.
Until today, Germans keep the practice of bringing chrysanthemums into their home every Christmas eve to revere 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 muddy waters, the lotus is seen as a symbol of purity, rebirth, and resilience. This view is shared by many cultures, but its earliest date reaches back to Ancient Egyptian mythology.
The god Nefertum was believed to have been birthed from a lotus flower, rising from the waters at the beginning of time. Regarded as the sun god, he remained heavily linked to the lotus in several Egyptian myths.
In particular, he was associated with the blue lotus: its golden center was evocative of the sun's shining rays, while its vibrant blue petals were compared to the vast skies.
The similarities of the sun and the lotus hold a particularly significant and inspiring meaning. Like the sun that rises and falls every day, the lotus opens its buds at daytime and closes them at nighttime, embodying the cycle of life, of death and rebirth.
In addition, Nefertum was also revered as the god of healing and beauty, attesting to his connection with the wonders of life: not only with its beginnings and endings, but with upholding and enriching it.
Narcissus (Greek)
There's a good reason why the term "narcissist" is named after the mythological origin of this flower. Narcissist generally pertains to someone who is so conceited and self-absorbed that they forget the world around them, much like the hunter called Narcissus in Greek mythology.
While adored by many for his handsome looks, Narcissus expressed great disdain for anyone who became taken with him.
One day, the mountain nymph Echo caught sight of 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 delight.
Narcissus viciously rejected her and broke away from her. The distraught Echo hid in great shame for the rest 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 blossomed where he died, warning us about the pitfalls 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 have is that of true, fervent, undying 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 idolized by many people. Their ardor reached a point where they stopped worshipping Venus, the goddess of beauty.
Overcome with envy, 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 isolated palace, but warned her never to look at him. However, Psyche's jealous sisters found her and tricked 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 tests and torments, all of which she endured for the sake of love.
Cupid then saved Psyche and pled to Jupiter, king of the gods, to marry her. Jupiter was deeply moved by their love and promptly expressed his favor.
Their wedding was a marvelous celebration in the heavens, enjoyed by all gods. Jupiter told his daughters to shower the most gorgeous, breathtaking roses all over the earth below to honor their union.
At the heart of this beautiful story is the age-old but undeniably true message: true love conquers all. It can withstand all difficulties and hardships, because reaping the rewards of being with the people we love is more than enough to keep us going.
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