The Daffodil
is March's Birth Flower
Everyone knows that they have a specific
birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the
month they were born in. However, many people don't know that
just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well,
which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind
your birth flower.
March: Daffodil
Alternate: Jonquil
The Daffodil, with the botanic name of
Narcissus, is a mostly spring flowering bulb, however, there
are some species of Narcissus which bloom in the fall.
The Daffodil is mostly found growing in the Mediterranean but
there are a few species found throughout Asia and China.
The Daffodil was originally called an
Affodell. No one is sure why the name was changed but there is
proof that as early as the 16th Century playful names for the
Daffodil like "Daffadown Dilly" or "daffadowndilly" had
appeared.
The traditional Daffodil is a ring of light
golden petals with a trumpet shaped center of a darker
contrasting shade of gold/yellow. Cultivators have changed the
flower for some nurseries giving it several layers of petals,
instead of the original one, sometimes making the flower look
like a little golden ball.
The Daffodil is used prominently for
decorating during the Chinese New Year in both China and
festivals celebrating this holiday around the world. The
Daffodil is also the flower of Wales, where a small area of
Tenby grows their own, unique variation. St. David's Day is
celebrated in Wales on March 1st and Daffodils are often worn
for that holiday.
Fun and interesting fact: Daffodils
are poisonous and can be harmful or deadly if eaten, unlike the
Violet.