Narcissus Flower Meaning Symbolism & Facts (2024)

On this page you'll find everything you need to know about the narcissus - commonly known as the daffodil. Packed with meaning, symbolism, myth, legend and superstition, there's a lot to learn about these beautiful springtime flowers.

Mythological meaning

A well- known myth surrounding the narcissus flower comes from Greek mythology. Narcissus was the son of the River God Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. He was an incredibly handsome young man who belittled those who loved him.

In the classic version of this tale by Ovid (a Roman poet), Narcissus was walking in the woods when a mountain nymph called Echo saw him. Attracted by his beauty she decided to follow him. When Narcissus shouted 'who's there?' Echo responded by repeating his words back to him because that's all she could do.

Eventually she decided to reveal herself and embrace him. He rejected her advances and told her to leave him alone. Heartbroken, she spent the rest of her life roaming the woods until nothing was left but the sound of her voice (an echo). Learning of this, Nemesis - the Goddess of Revenge - decided to punish Narcissus by drawing him to a stream where he saw his reflection. Unable to look away from such perfection, he fell in love with it.

When his love wasn't reciprocated, he couldn't bear to leave his reflection. After staring at it for a few days he grew exhausted, fell into the stream and drowned. It's said that daffodils are called narcissus because they commonly grow on the banks of streams and rivers where Narcissus perished.

Some believe that the way daffodils bend their necks towards the ground symbolises Narcissus bending over to admire his image in the water, and this is why daffodils are sometimes said to represent vanity and unrequited love.

The psychological term narcissism also comes from this tale; to describe people who are attention seeking and have a high opinion of themselves.

What does narcissus flower symbolise?

Some cultures believe that daffodils bring wealth. In Wales it is said that those who see the first daffodil of the season invite wealth for the following 12 months. Similarly, in China, legend states that if a daffodil blooms in your garden on New Year's Day your house will have good fortune for the rest of the year.

Most cultures celebrate the narcissus as a symbol of hope and joy, which is a big leap from Medieval times when Europeans believed that if a narcissus flower drooped as you looked at it was an omen of death. Another common belief is that giving a single narcissi can bring misfortune - so make sure you play it safe and always send a bunch. Luckily, that's something we can help you with.

On a lighter note, daffodils are given to celebrate 10 years of marriage because they symbolise joy, cheerfulness and happiness. They're also used as a form of payment on the Isles of Scilly where one is sent to Prince Charles each year to cover the cost of rent for any unattended land.

Narcissus Flower Meaning  Symbolism & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What do narcissus flowers symbolize? ›

Narcissi flowers are also seen to represent; creativity, inspiration, awareness and inner reflection, forgiveness, and vitality. If you give a bunch of narcissi to a loved one it means 'they're the only one' and is said to ensure happiness.

What color does narcissus represent? ›

White narcissus flower meaning

White narcissi, akin to numerous other blooms of this delicate colour, embody notions of earnestness, and innocence. They also stand as the emblem of hope, faithfulness, and unconditional love. Moreover, white flowers epitomise genuine intentions and the commencement of new journeys.

What is the true definition of narcissus? ›

noun. nar·​cis·​sus när-ˈsi-səs. 1. capitalized : a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who pines away for love of his own reflection and is then turned into the narcissus flower.

What is the real name of narcissus flower? ›

Daffodils. Daffodils are often refereed to as Narcissus, named after the mythological boy, Narcissus, who loved to admire his own beauty. Narcissus is actually the Latin name for Daffodils and also their genus name. Their species name is Narcissus pseudonarcissus.

What is the deeper meaning of narcissus? ›

Centuries later, psychologists would name a personality disorder defined by someone's self-obsession and admiration narcissism after the ancient stories' character. Narcissus falling in love with his reflection in a pool of water is the ultimate story of unrequited love and self-obsession.

Why did God turn narcissus into a flower? ›

Narcissus is a legendarily handsome young man in Greek mythology and the basis of a fertility myth. He experiences a particularly extreme form of self-love which leads to his death and transformation into a narcissus flower, fit to attract the goddess Persephone on her way to Hades.

What is the myth of Narcissus flower? ›

In both Ovid's and Pausanias' versions of Narcissus, Narcissus dies by a pool gazing at his own reflection that he falls in love with. He has no concern about anything around him nor does he eat or sleep. He takes his last dying breath by himself and dies by the image that he will never have but so badly desires.

What is the difference between a narcissus and a daffodil? ›

A daffodil is a trumpet shaped flower originating from a flower bulb and is part of a plant genus named Narcissus. All daffodils are in the group Narcissus. Daffodil is a common name used for Narcissus that have a large trumpet shaped bloom.

What month is the narcissus flower for birth? ›

Birth month flowers are traditionally appropriate for the season and time of the year. The December birth flower is the narcissus, especially the popular paperwhite variety with delicate white petals that match the snow on the ground outside.

What does God say about Narcissus? ›

Narcissism can be viewed as the epitome of sin, as individuals choose to be their own gods, seeking self-worship and control. The book of Proverbs addresses this concept by referring to narcissistic behaviors as foolishness. The fool makes his own rules, scoffs at rebuke, and disregards the harm his actions may cause.

What is the psychological meaning of Narcissus? ›

Narcissism is a self–centered personality style characterized as having an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one's own needs, often at the expense of others.

Why is Narcissus bad? ›

The Greek myth about the beautiful Narcissus, who was too proud to love any of his admirers and was condemned by the gods to fall in love with his own reflection, has always been seen as a warning against excessive self-love.

What is a fact about Narcissus flower? ›

15 interesting facts about daffodils and narcissus
  • They were brought to Britain by the Romans. ...
  • They are named after a Greek myth. ...
  • They are the birth flower for March. ...
  • Always present daffodils in a bunch. ...
  • Symbolises new beginnings and friendships. ...
  • They are meaningful across the world. ...
  • A daffodil field can bloom for decades.
Jun 20, 2019

What flower symbolizes forgiveness? ›

Daffodil (Narcissus)

They can also stand for forgiveness. They bloom each spring almost regardless of the winter weather. Daffodils should be given as a symbol of forgiveness, or in appreciation.

What flower symbolizes love? ›

A rose simply represents love, so it's the most classic choice for Valentine's day.

What's the difference between daffodils and Narcissus? ›

The easiest way to learn the difference between a narcissus, a jonquil and a Daffodil is to first understand that all Daffodils and Jonquils are narcissus. Narcissus is simply the botanical name that is given to Daffodils and Jonquils.

Why is Persephone symbol a Narcissus flower? ›

In classical Graeco-Roman literature the narcissus is associated with both the myth of the youth who was turned into a flower of that time, and with the Goddess Persephone, snatched into the underworld as she gathered their blooms. Narcissi were said to grow in meadows in the underworld.

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