CUISINE & CULTURE
ELLEN PEFFLEY
Itmayseemoddthat the Narcissus is one of the official birth flowers of December, since in the garden Narcissus is a spring-blooming bulb. However, the Paperwhite narcissus is a winter bloomer.
Paperwhite narcissus bulbs are popular during the Christmas holidays because, unlike other narcissus that are spring-blooming bulbs, Paperwhite bulbs do not require chilling to initiate flowering.
That chilling is not required for blooming, makes sense when we learn that the Paperwhite narcissus is native to the Mediterranean region. Paperwhite narcissus is the oldest and most widely grown of the Narcissus genus, which now has become naturalized in Asia, Europe, and North America. They have a heavy fragrance that bring on an allergic reaction in some people, while others think the blooms have a delicate, sweet fragrance. They are a pretty bloom regardless of their scent.
An interesting bit of trivia, the term narcissist finds its origin in Greek mythology. According to Greek mythology, the name of this flower originated from a beautiful young man named Narcissus. He became too fixated with his looks and received punishment from Nemesis. Consequently, he fell in love with his reflection in the water and ended up drowning. A narcissist is described as having an unreasonably high sense of importance, are self-centered with feelings of entitlement. They desire admiration and seek attention.
The symbolism and meanings of Narcissus vary by culture, since they are prevalent Asia, Europe, and North America. They most commonly represent purity and simplicity, respect and faithfulness. In China they signify wealth and prosperity. The Victorians held that the plants represented self-centeredness (in keeping with the current usage of narcissism).
Paperwhites are most often found with white blooms, but they can also have yellow or orange blooms. White Paperwhite blooms symbolize innocence and purity, perfect gifts for a newborn child.
Yellow blooms evoke brightness and cheerfulness, and as the sun exudes energy, joy and happiness. A good choice for a friend who is needing cheering up.
Orange blossomed narcissus represent positivity and friendship. They make a fitting choice for someone to whom you want to wish good luck or to congratulate for an accomplishment.
Judging by color alone, there may be no wrong choice for gifting a narcissus in bloom, regardless of the color of flower. Each color is a positive choice.
Some information from petalrepublic.com
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
