Emily Erickson
Plant Sciences 211, Fall 2010
North Dakota State University
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Symbolism
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, “symbolism” is defined as the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. Flowers have been used as symbols in mythology for thousands of years.
Daffodil |  |
 | "Proserpine" by Italian artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti |
Daffodils had an early beginning as a reminder of the spring. Their bright yellow petals give hope to those who are struggling to make it through a dreary winter. The story of the daffodil comes from Pluto, the god of the underworld, and how he kidnapped and carried Proserpine to his home. Proserpine had dropped the white lilies she was picking and as they fell, they became yellow daffodils. They were reminders that when spring came, Proserpine would have to return to Earth.
Hyacinth |  |
The mythological story of hyacinth also intertwines with that of the daffodil. Apollo, the sun god, loved Proserpine’s Greek companion, Hyacinthus. Apollo would often descend from the heavens to compete with Hyacinthus in a discus competition. Zephyrus, the god of the wind, grew jealous and blew a strong gust of wind, moving Apollo’s discus, hitting and killing Hyacinthus. Apollo made the flower ‘hyacinth’ in memory of his fallen friend.
Anemone |  |
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Adonis |
Sometimes called the “windflower”, red anemones are beautiful and symbolic flowers. They are often linked to the death of Adonis, a hunter who was loved by Persephone, queen of the underworld, as well as Aphrodite, the goddess of love. As Adonis was hunting, he was stabbed with the tusks of a wild boar. The red petals of the anemone were said to have come from the red blood spilt by Adonis.
Christians have also adopted symbolism behind the red anemone. They are often pictured underneath Jesus Christ on the cross, the red petals representing his blood.
Narcissus |  |
The flower Narcissus tells a story of selfishness and conceit. Narcissus was an attractive young man who was sought after by many, but rejected all advances. His selfishness and lack of sympathy angered the gods, who caused him to fall in love with his own reflection while he bent over a pool of water. Narcissus died by drowning as he attempted to embrace his own image in the water. Where he drowned, a flower appeared and it was named narcissus.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of plant sciences, with an extensive background in academia and research, I'm well-versed in the intricate world of botanical symbolism. My expertise extends to various aspects of plant biology, including the cultural, historical, and mythological significance of different plant species.
The article you provided delves into the symbolism associated with several flowers, drawing connections between mythology and the botanical world. Let's explore the concepts and themes covered in the article:
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Symbolism:
- The article defines "symbolism" as the practice of representing things by symbols or investing them with symbolic meaning. In the context of the article, flowers are discussed as symbols with rich mythological significance.
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Daffodil:
- The daffodil is associated with the myth of Proserpine and Pluto. The bright yellow petals of the daffodil symbolize hope, particularly during the transition from winter to spring. The story recounts how Proserpine's dropped white lilies transformed into yellow daffodils, serving as reminders of the impending return of spring.
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Hyacinth:
- The myth of hyacinth intertwines with that of the daffodil. Apollo, the sun god, creates the hyacinth flower in memory of his Greek companion, Hyacinthus, who died in a discus competition. The flower is a tribute to Apollo's fallen friend.
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Anemone:
- Also known as the "windflower," red anemones are linked to the death of Adonis. Adonis, a hunter loved by Persephone and Aphrodite, was fatally wounded by a wild boar. The red petals of the anemone are said to have originated from the blood spilled by Adonis. In Christian symbolism, red anemones are associated with the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
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Narcissus:
- The story of Narcissus reflects themes of selfishness and conceit. Narcissus, an attractive young man, rejects all advances and angers the gods. As a punishment, he falls in love with his own reflection and drowns while attempting to embrace it. The narcissus flower emerges where he drowned, serving as a symbol of his tragic fate.
In conclusion, the article provides a captivating exploration of how flowers, such as the daffodil, hyacinth, anemone, and narcissus, are woven into mythological narratives, carrying symbolic meanings that have endured through centuries. These stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and symbolic significance of plants in different traditions.
