“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.”
Georgia O’Keffe
Spring flowers bring on a natural high after a long winter. They boost well-being on multiple levels—their soft, saturated colors ease screen-weary eyes; their scent activates the benefits of aromatherapy; and their resilience is a reminder that, even in stillness and darkness, the life force is present and waiting to burst into bloom.
Below are some legendary meanings of Spring flowers.
Nothing says Springtime like the subtle pops of color fresh abundant cherry blossoms. The national flower of Japan, the cherry blossom – or Sakura, represents a time of renewal and optimism. The pops of pink and white signify the beginning of spring. Due to their quick blooming season, cherry blossoms also symbolize the transience of life, a major theme in Buddhism.
Daffodils, too, are among the first harbingers of Spring, a sure indicator that winter is over. That’s why they are known in modern legend to represent rebirth and new beginnings.But the botanical name Narcissus is said to derive from the classical tale of Narcissus, who was blessed with eternal beauty. Narcissus was tricked by the Goddess of Punishment, Nemesis, to look at his reflection in a lake, where he then fell in love with it. He would return every day trying to catch a glimpse of the spirit in the water, not realising it was his own reflection.
The drooping of the daffodil symbolises the image of Narcissus bowing his head to admire his image in the lake. They say the centre of the daffodil is a cup filled with his tears. Some people therefore believe the daffodil represents vanity and unrequited love.
In Chinese mythology, the Camellia symbolises love and devotion. The Chinese believe that the petals reflect the spirit and beauty of a woman.
Flowers of the hardy Hellibore (Helleborus) bloom as early in spring as they possibly can. Because some varieties can bloom as early as January and February, hellebores can be one of the earliest sources of pollen for bees.
Hellebores feature in Greek mythology. There is a tale of Dionysus, who used his powers to turn the daughters of Argos mad. They roamed naked and hysterical, until Melampus, of Plyos made a brew of Hellebore to save them from the madness. Today, Hellibore represents hope. After all, they bloom from beneath the snow.
