Parkwell's
Floral Designs, Inc.
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Daffodil or Jonquil
(Narcissus)
—Common Names:—
Narcissus
Daffodil is the flower of March.
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* Narcissus is the flower of December
(See December)
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Daffodil, Narcissus and Jonquil were once separate flowers.
Interbreeding and hybridizing among the flowers have merged them and created many varieties.
Now, Narcissus is the Latin name for all daffodils, and Daffodil is the common name for all members of the genus Narcissus.
The name Narcissus is from the Greek word narke, meaning to numb.
Some say it is named for its narcotic fragrance while others belive that it's associated with the poisonous nature of the bulbs.
If you are enclosed in a small space with the flower, the scent will induce a headache.
In psychoanalysis, narcissism is excessive self-love.
Both the Greeks and Egyptians related the flower with death. The Egyptians often hung wreaths of narcissus during funerals.
In medieval Europe, it was believed that if a daffodil drooped when you looked at it, it was an omen of death.
The Arabians, however, viewed this flower as an aphrodisiac.
Poultry keepers thought the flower was unlucky and would not allow it in the home as they believed it would stop their chickens from laying eggs or the eggs from hatching.
Chinese Feng Shui however, believes the flower brings good luck for the next twelve months if forced to bloom during the New Year.
Daffodils are said to bring good fortune to the person who avoids trampling on them, but they should never be present at a wedding because they will bring unhappy vanity to the bride.
A superstition in Maine says that a daffodil will not bloom if you point at it.
Native to Spain and Algeria. It was the favorite flower of Queen Anne.
She was inspired by her love of jonquils to establish Kensington Palace Gardens, the first public gardens in England.
It is the national flower of Wales because it blooms on March 1st, the feast day of the patron saint of Wales, St. David.
Prince Charles is paid one Daffodil annually as rent for the unattended lands of Scilly.
The local Environmental Trust is responsible for the payment.
Today, people associate the bright, yellow daffodil as a symbol of rebirth — a sign of the new beginnings that come with spring.
Indeed, the daffodil is the flower for March, the month in which the spring equinox begins, and they are the first flowers of spring.
The daffodil is the American Cancer Society's symbol of hope that a cure for cancer will be found.
They believe it symbolises new hope and life.
The daffodil is the flower of Easter.
The flowers yield a sweet-smelling yellow oil used in perfumes.
For the most part, daffodils signify unrequited love.
Daffodils say, "the sun is always shining when I'm with you."
In the Language of Flowers they mean 'Have pity on my passion' and
'I desire a return of affection'.
* See December
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