Floral Tales
5 Flowers in Popular Legends and Myths
Whether in tales of caution, tragedy, redemption, and true love, flowers are an important part of storytelling around the world, over different eras. These precious 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 practices and ways of life. The stories handed down from generation to generation impact the meanings we link to 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 move, inspire, and teach us lessons in life.
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That's why today, we're going to tell you five interesting myths and legends all over the world which feature special flowers with powerful meanings. Take a look at this list to see your favorite flowers in a totally 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 enchanting 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, frequently compared to swoon-worthy men - and you're right!
In 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 chased after him and plowed him with its tusks. Aphrodite heard his painful howls and raced 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 arose as a symbol of her grief. In other versions of this story, the flowers grew from Aphrodite's tears mixed with Adonis' blood.
Anemones still 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 single moment with our loved ones.
Chrysanthemum (German)
While the chrysanthemum features more prominently in Eastern folklore, specifically in Japanese culture, this bright and joyous 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 sobs from outside their home. Curious, they opened the door to find a trembling beggar 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 little food they had for him to eat and be satisfied.
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 remained 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 honor Christ. While this is a rich cultural custom, the call to be benevolent and compassionate even through hard times rings true for every person.
Lotus (Egyptian)
A magnificent flower that flourishes in full bloom from muddy waters, the lotus is considered 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 born 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 associated with the blue lotus: its golden center was reminiscent 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 have a particularly 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 exalted 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 sustaining 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 refers to someone who is so egotistic and self-absorbed that they forget the world around them, much like the hunter called Narcissus in Greek mythology.
While admired by many for his awe-striking looks, Narcissus showed great scorn for anyone who became taken with him.
One day, the mountain nymph Echo caught a glimpse of him, instantly fell in love, and trailed after him. But he quickly caught on and demanded to meet her. Echo revealed herself, throwing her arms around him in delight.
Narcissus viciously rejected her and ran away from her. The disgraced 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, decided 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 stayed by the water looking at himself until he wasted away from thirst and hunger. A white flower with a yellow heart later bloomed where he died, warning us about the perils of treating others with cruelty and putting ourselves before everyone else.
Rose (Roman)
Arguably the world's most famous flower, the rose has been a constant image in folklore and mythology throughout various cultures. But one universal symbolism they have is that of true, fervent, 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 extraordinary beauty, loved and idolized by many people. Their adoration reached a point where they stopped worshipping Venus, the goddess of beauty.
Overcome with jealousy, Venus enlisted the help of her son, Cupid, in her crusade for revenge. 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 envious sisters found her and deceived her into gazing at him. Enraged, Cupid fled from her.
Lamenting 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 saved Psyche and appealed to Jupiter, king of the gods, to marry her. Jupiter was greatly moved by their love and immediately expressed his approval.
Their wedding was a splendid celebration in the heavens, enjoyed by all gods. Jupiter called for his daughters to sprinkle the most beautiful, radiant roses all over the lands below to honor their union.
At the heart of this beautiful story is the age-old but undoubtedly true message: true love conquers all. It can survive 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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