Have you ever thought about the name Narcissus and why this flower has got this name? Do you think it is so beautiful that deserves that name? I remember my mom told me something about a story from Greek mythology when I asked when I was small. We had these flowers in the garden and it was the representation of spring. I can always connect the picture of it with Easter and when all the other flowers started to bloom in our garden. Well, right now, when we celebrated Christmas just two days ago, nothing can be still connected with Easter and spring, but this flower, Narcissus has bloomed at my place.
It is not strange probably, as every year I see them blooming on these dates, at the end of the year. I searched for more information about this plant and its origins. It seems that the species of it are native to southern Europe and especially the Western Mediterranean area, and more particularly to the Iberian peninsula. Now it is clear why they like this climate and why are blooming so early, compared to other European countries.
Reading about it and its different species, habitats, I again came across the possible interpretation of the name. Maybe instead of getting the name from Νάρκισσος (Narcissus) who in Greek mythology was the son of god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope, it has something to do with a toxic thing. Seems that it derives from the Greek word ναρκὰο (narcotic) because of the intoxicating smell of the flowers. Well, absolute beauty and having an intoxicating smell, what a perfect combination, right? But take care, not to look and smell it too much then.
But all this you already have known. And more of it. You maybe also know that the leaves of them are indeed toxic, for animals that can accidentally eat them... for humans too. But don't worry, I will not use them for preparing some dishes. These flowers are just for aesthetic purposes in our shared garden with my neighbors. We all saw them with their beautiful white and yellow (sometimes orange) petals, proudly observing the world from their tall stems. However, some of them wanted to observe that same world from another perspective. Some flowers decided to take a more relaxed way of presenting themselves, lying on the leaves of the plant. These flowers lay and rested...they decided to take a different approach. For sure, why all of them should be proud and tall? They were gorgeous, even in this pose.
