“D”affodils
Daffodils, as one of the first flowers that bloom, are virtually synonymous with spring and new beginnings. We inherited some in our backyard around one of our trees and while there are some years that they don’t bloom, most of the time they do. Once they burst open and “trumpet in” the changing of seasons, it’s only a matter of time before our other plants, bushes and trees bud out. They are a perfect reminder of God’s grace and blessings to come.
Daffodils make me happy! They remind me to be present in the moment, since they are so visible and beautiful, and then they are gone.
They are exceptionally hearty plants. On my drive to work, it’s not uncommon to see them popping up all over – next to abandon, burnt out houses and in the middle of fields where they’ve obviously relocated. Or, perhaps the wind picked up their seeds and replanted them where they’d be more appreciated.
Yellow is their traditional hue, which exudes energy, warmth and vitality after the barren, cold, brown and gray of winter. Their scent can be sweet and relaxing. In my research of the daffodil, I came across the fact that the bulbs are harvested and processed to aid in a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Interesting that they are also a symbol of mental clarity. The daffodil is also a symbol of the Chinese New Year, because it’s a Narcissus flower and means good luck and prosperity for the new year.
In Victorian times, various flowers were given to others as secret messages to share thoughts and feelings that were not proper to speak. The daffodil, while beautiful to receive, seems like an unlikely flower to accomplish such a demure task.
My research also unearthed that daffodils can mean uncertainty, respect or unrequited love, which again seems odd, since they seem to bring such joy to everyone. It’s said that if you receive one flower, it can mean misfortune but a full bouquet denotes joy and happiness. I wish you all a bouquet of daffodils this spring season, as we pack away sweaters and winter clothes and haul out the patio furniture.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
14 Comments
Ineke Kruger
Daffodils are my favourite winter flower
In my own words
They are mine too. I love irises but they seem more fragile. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Donna McDine
I love daffodils. My front yard gardens are filled with them! I never knew that about alzheimer’s research…very interesting. The daffodils are poisonness to deer so it’s nice they don’t go near them. The scent scares them away. Thanks for visiting me through the A-Z Challenge. I look forward to staying connected! http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for the return visit! I’ve heard that about deer and daffodils also. I look forward to reading more from you!
mshatch
I adore daffodils, and crocuses, and my green pearl narcissus…spring flowers give me hope winter is really over.
dmweiden@gmail.com
There is so much to look forward to, in the spring. I’ll have to check out green pearl narcissus. They sound lovely! Thanks for visiting my blog!
betty
Seeing daffodils blooming was always a sign that winter was leaving us in Montana and there was hope of spring in the air. They are a very pretty color indeed!
thanks for the visit 🙂
betty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting my blog and your comment. I hope you are enjoying the challenge!
Debbie D
Interesting history about daffodils! I’m always happy to see them as they’re a sure sign of Spring. We’re still waiting – just had two days of snowy weather. Ugh!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting my blog! We had teeny, tiny snowballs, not really flakes, this afternoon. Strange, especially when you think it really is spring.
Cheryl Wright
The American Cancer Society holds Daffodil Days in March as a way to promote cancer research and raise money.
Cheryl
Plucking Of My heartstrings
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for reminding me of that, Cheryl! I appreciate it and your visit to my blog.
Josie Two Shoes
I love daffodils and would be very happy to receive even just one! They do indeed signal Spring and that makes our hearts happy! 🙂
Josie
from Josie’s Journal
dmweiden@gmail.com
Me too! Thank you for visiting my blog.