Daffodil, the Flower of March
When winter ends and the weather starts to warm, one of the first flowers you’ll see is the cheery yellow daffodil. Daffodils are popular flowers in home gardens as well as a beautiful and elegant addition to bouquets. This flower has been known for millennia, and continues to grow in popularity today.
The Daffodil – Ancient Uses
While we know daffodils as a decorative flower, in the past it was used for medicinal purposes. Before we go any further, we should note that there is no solid evidence that daffodils can be used for healing, and in fact their bulbs are poisonous, so never use this flower for medical reasons. The Classical Greek world, though, used medicines made from daffodil oil as a treatment for uterine tumors. Daffodils were used by the Romans as a moisturizer and detoxification agent, while in Turkey their bulbs were used to treat wounds.
The Daffodil – Symbolism and Culture
Where the daffodil truly shines, though, is in its symbolism. This yellow bloom is the national flower of Wales and is associated with Saint David’s Day, a holiday that falls on the first of March. It’s closely associated with spring festivals in the west, including Lent and Easter. In fact, in the United Kingdom it is sometimes referred to as the Lenten Lily. Because of its association with springtime and these religious festivals, the daffodil is often associated with rebirth and new beginnings.
Daffodils appear in many ancient stories and myths. They appear in the legend of Persephone, as well as in the story of Narcissus. The Greek playwright Sophocles references them in his play as a symbol of fertility. Even more modern poets and playwrights, including Wordsworth, Shelley, and Shakespeare, reference this flower in their works.
Giving Daffodils as Gifts
Nothing lets a loved one know you’re thinking about them during the spring like a bouquet of fresh, vibrant daffodils. Give a bouquet made of sunny daffodils to give your loved one for a burst of sunny color that is sure to brighten up their day and their home. Daffodils are absolutely beautiful on their own, but they can also be paired with other spring flowers like tulips and alstroemerias for a lovely array of shapes, colors, and fragrances.
During March we love offering an array of daffodil-based bouquets for you to send to loved ones in Ukraine. If you prefer daffodils on their own, a bouquet of 15 or 27 blooms is a cheerful way to say “I love you.” A Spring Rainbow Bouquet or a Bright Spring Bouquet artfully combines other beautiful flowers and greenery with daffodils to create an unforgettable springtime gift.
Daffodils are the perfect flower for March. Bright, cheerful, and sunny, these springtime flowers are sure to make your loved one smile.
