The December flower of the month is the beautiful, delicate Narcissus also known as the Daffodil. Their bloom season ranges from December and May. They come in predominantly white and yellow shades. Here is some information about the flower of the month in December.
Narcissus Meaning
Narcissus symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. It became associated with new beginnings because it is one of the first flowers to bloom after the winter frost. They represent that the winter is over and their yellow bulbs represent the beginning of the sunshine of spring.
Historical meaning and Common Use:
The name Narcissus is latin. It is believed to be named after the river god from Greek mythology. Narcissus was celebrated for his beauty, however he was very arrogant. The goddess Nemesis noticed this and lured him into a pool where he fell in love with his own reflection. The legend goes that while he was staring at his own reflection, nymphs transformed him into a narcissus flower to get revenge for how he treated them.
In England, narcissus also known as daffodils are also known as lent lilies or lenten lilies as they typically bloom between Ash Wednesday and Easter.
There is a beautiful poem written about Narcissus by an English Scholar named A.E. Housman.
And there’s the windflower chilly
With all the winds at play,
And there’s the Lenten lily
That has not long to stay
And dies on Easter day.
Narcissus are also valued in China. They bloom around Chinese New Year, and symbolize good luck, prosperity, and good fortune. If the flowers bloom exactly on New Year’s day, it means that you will have good luck for the entire year.
Daffodils are often given on ten-year wedding anniversaries to mean joy, cheerfulness, and happiness.
How to care for narcissus in your home:
Start with a clean vase. Fill it about halfway with fresh, room-temperature water.
Cut off about half an inch from the bottom of the stems.
Strip off any foliage from the stems to keep the water as clean as possible and to reduce any chance of molding.
Add flower food to the vase. If you do not have any flower food add half a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of bleach to make a homemade substitute.
Clean and change the water regularly to ensure the narcissus last as long as possible.