Flowers and Mythology

The flowers have appeared in mythology all around the world. Certain flowers have stories associated with them and thus bear significance in their respective culture and tradition. Let us have an insight on flowers carrying mythological significance.

Anemone: This flower associated with the demise of Adonis, a demigod of beauty, holds a special significance in Greek mythology. The myth states that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, loved Adonis profoundly. However, Adonis died at an early age during a boar hunt. Aphrodite mourned and shrieked seeing her lover bleed to death. While Adonis lay in her arms, she sprinkled Adonis's blood with nectar, from which emerged crimson red colored anemones. Later, Christians also adopted this flower and believed that the red color of the flower symbolizes the blood shed by Jesus Christ during crucifixion.

Hyacinth: According to the Greek mythology, Hyacinth was the lover of God Apollo. When Hyacinth died, a new flower sprang from the blood stained earth. Apollo named the new formed flower as hyacinth and adjured a three-day festival in honor of his friend.

Rose: For the ancient Romans, this flower was an epitome of beauty and a symbol of death and rebirth. Christians associated the flower with Mary, the mother of Lord Jesus. Some people still like to know Mother Mary as a Mystic or Holy Rose.

Sunflower: According to Greek mythology, sunflower emerged from a princess called Clytie. Sun God Apollo and Clytie loved each other. However, when Apollo abandoned Clytie, she grieved profusely. For several days and nights she sat on a rock watching Apollo as he drove his chariot from east to west. Apollo felt pity for her and transformed her into a flower known as the sunflower.

Narcissus: Greek mythology associates this flower with Narcissus, a native of Boeotia. He was extremely boastful of his beauty and disdained the advances made to him by princesses. One day while gazing at a pool of water, he fell in love with his own reflection. Unable to leave the charm and beauty of his own reflection, he sat there for several days and nights and eventually died with grief. A flower grew in the place where once his body lay. The princesses named the flower Narcissus, which became a symbol of self-indulgence and vanity.

Lotus: Lotus finds a mention in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. In Hindu mythology, it is the abode of Lord Brahma. As per Buddhist mythology, Lord Buddha first appeared sailing on a lotus. When he walked on earth, he left behind lotus flowers instead of footprints. Ancient Egyptians believed that Goddess Isis emerged from a lotus flower.

Flower inspired myths are plentiful. The story telling behind such mythological significance of flowers is incredibly amazing!

This article is written by Shrey Sehgal, Founder, FlowerAura, the pioneers in flowers delivery service in India. Remember us if you wish to send flowers anywhere in India.