Floral Tales
5 Flowers in Famous Legends and Myths
Whether in tales of caution, tragedy, redemption, and true love, flowers are an important part of storytelling all over the world, throughout different eras. These extraordinary blooms enrich stories 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 stories handed down from generation to generation affect the meanings we associate with different flowers, which we then use for different occasions: to celebrate, to commemorate, and to comfort.
The reason why they're so important is because the symbolisms of these flowers touch, 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 look at this list to see your favorite flowers in a completely different light!
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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 charming red blooms are said to have been borne of the tragic 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 good-looking that he swept Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love herself, off her feet. She was so madly in love that she ignored 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 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.
Mourning the loss of her mortal lover, the goddess scattered nectar on his blood, where dark red anemones later arose as a symbol of her grief. In other versions of this story, the flowers sprouted 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 heavily in Eastern lore, specifically in Japanese culture, this bright and joyful flower has a really precious 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 calm night was disrupted by loud, repeated sobs from outside their house. Curious, they opened the door to find a quivering beggar who was turning blue from the cruel winter.
They led him inside instantly 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 bright 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 charitable and compassionate even through difficult times rings true for every person.
Lotus (Egyptian)
A lovely flower that flourishes in full bloom from muddy waters, the lotus is considered a symbol of purity, rebirth, and inner strength. This view is shared by many cultures, but its earliest date reaches back to Ancient Egyptian mythology.
The god Nefertum was said to have been brought forth from a lotus flower, rising from the waters at the beginning of time. Regarded 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 vivid blue petals were compared to the vast skies.
The similarities of the sun and the lotus carry 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 night, representing the cycle of life, of death and rebirth.
In addition, Nefertum was also worshipped 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 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 typically refers to someone who is so conceited and self-absorbed that they ignore the world around them, much like the hunter called Narcissus in Greek mythology.
While adored by many for his awe-striking looks, Narcissus showed great scorn for anyone who became smitten with him.
One day, the mountain nymph Echo saw him, instantly fell in love, and trailed after him. But he soon caught on and demanded to meet her. Echo revealed herself, throwing her arms around him in joy.
Narcissus viciously rebuffed her and ran away from her. The distressed Echo hid in great shame for the rest of her days, never to be seen again, with merely 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 stream where he fell in love with his own reflection.
He stayed by the water staring at himself until he withered away from thirst and starvation. A white flower with a yellow heart later blossomed where he died, warning us about the perils of treating others with spite 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, passionate, undying 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 marvelled at by many people. Their ardor reached a point where they abandoned 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 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 fled from her.
Lamenting 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 the sake of love.
Cupid then rescued Psyche and pled to Jupiter, king of the gods, to marry her. Jupiter was greatly moved by their love and promptly expressed his favor.
Their wedding was a grandiose celebration in the heavens, enjoyed by all gods. Jupiter told his daughters to shower the most gorgeous, glowing roses all over the lands below 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 adversities and hardships, because reaping the rewards of being with the people we love is more than enough to keep us strong.
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