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 around the world, throughout different eras. These lovely blooms enrich tales 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 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 main reason why they're so valuable is because the symbolisms of these flowers touch, inspire, and teach us lessons in life.
That's why today, we're going to tell you five intriguing myths and legends all over the world which feature certain flowers with powerful meanings. Take a look at this list to see your favorite flowers in a totally 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 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)
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These bewitching 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 manly beauty in mythology, often 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 responsibilities and even her own appearance.
One day, he went hunting and stabbed 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 sowed nectar on his blood, where dark red anemones later rose up 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 represent 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 treasure every moment with our loved ones.
Chrysanthemum (German)
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While the chrysanthemum features more heavily 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 disrupted 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 led him inside instantly and wrapped him in blankets to warm him up. They offered what scarce 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 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 honor Christ. While this is a rich cultural custom, the call to be generous and compassionate even through tough times rings true for every person.
Lotus (Egyptian)
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A lovely flower that flourishes in full bloom from muddy waters, the lotus is seen as a symbol of purity, rebirth, and resilience. This belief is shared by many cultures, but its earliest date goes 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. Known as the sun god, he was 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 hold a notably significant and uplifting meaning. Much like the sun that rises and falls each day, the lotus opens its buds at daytime and closes them at nighttime, 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)
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There's a good reason why the term "narcissist" is named after the mythological origin of this flower. Narcissist usually refers to someone who is so conceited and self-absorbed that they lose sight of the world around them, just 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 caught a glimpse of him, instantly fell in love, and followed 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, decided to punish Narcissus for his heartlessness. 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 wasted away from thirst and starvation. A white flower with a yellow heart later bloomed where he died, warning us about the pitfalls of treating others with spite and putting ourselves above everyone else.
Rose (Roman)
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Arguably the world's most famous flower, the rose has been a consistent image in folklore and mythology across various cultures. But one universal symbolism they have is that of true, fervent, 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 extraordinary beauty, loved and marvelled at by many people. Their adoration 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 quest for vengeance. But upon setting out for his mission, 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 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 saved 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 grand celebration in the heavens, enjoyed by all gods. Jupiter called for his daughters to shower the most gorgeous, radiant roses all over the lands below to honor their union.
At the heart of this lovely story is the age-old but undoubtedly true message: true love conquers all. It can withstand all difficulties and troubles, because reaping the rewards of being with the people we love is more than enough to keep us strong.
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