December Birth Flower: Narcissus
The narcissus is the December birth flower and symbolizes good wishes, faithfulness and respect. The narcissus can often be confused with the daffodil, the birth flower for March, which is a type of narcissus. Although most narcissus flowers are spring flowers, there are several species that bloom in the winter, such as the paperwhite narcissus — making it appropriate as the birth flower for December.
The December birthday flower has a rich history. As a native of the Mediterranean, the narcissus was brought over to Asia where it became widely cultivated in China. From there, the narcissus made its way into Europe via European colonists and eventually made its way into North America. Today, the narcissus is mainly cultivated in Great Britain, Holland, and The Channel Isles.
The narcissus flower’s name is derived from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a young hunter who was famed for his attractiveness. He was so attractive that he, himself, was obsessed by his good looks. One day, when looking at his own reflection in a pond, he leaned in to take a closer look only to fall in and drown. Therefore, the narcissus is known for being a symbol of vanity in Western culture.
However, in other cultures and organizations around the world, the narcissus carries on different meanings:
According to the Victorian “Language of Flowers” giving someone a narcissus means that they are “the only one.”
In Kurdish culture, the narcissus is a symbol of the new year.
Similarly, in Chinese culture, the narcissus symbolizes the Chinese New Year because it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. It is also a symbol of wealth and good fortune for the coming year.
As a symbol of hope, the narcissus has become an emblem for cancer societies around the world.