April showers bring May flowers, but do you know what else April brings? Lots and lots of daisies.
The daisy is one of the two official birth flowers of the month of April (the other being the sweet pea) but is perfect to give someone in a bouquet at any time of the year.
With its fragile white petals and vibrant golden center, the daisy is known for its beauty as well as its symbolic meaning.
What Does Daisy Mean?
The word “daisy” is actually a board term that refers to several kinds of plants in the Asteraceae family. Asteraceae comes from the Latin word aster, which means “star.” That means a lot of sense when you consider the appearance of a daisy!
“Daisy” is also a derivative of the Old English name of the daisy, dæġes ēaġe, which translates to “day’s eye.” Another apt naming, as the petals of the daisy open at dawn and then close at dusk.
What Does the Daisy Flower Symbolize?
Daisies are most often used to symbolize purity and innocence. This symbolism stems from a Celtic legend in which God would sprinkle daisies over the earth to cheer up parents who had lost a child.
Daisies can also be used to symbolize beauty, love, and fertility, along with motherhood, childbirth, and new beginnings. They can represent transformation and chastity along with true love. This latter meaning is probably attributed to the fact that daisies are composed of two flowers that blend together to form one lasting bloom.
Because daisies close at night and then reopen during the day, they can also be used to symbolize a good night’s sleep. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “fresh as a daisy,” this symbolism probably makes a lot of sense!
There are just as many meanings for daisies as there are varieties of daisies!
What Does Michaelmas Daisy Mean?
The Michaelmas daisy, or Aster amellus, usually symbolizes a departure or farewell of some sort.
What Does a Gerber Daisy Symbolize?
Gerber daisies, or any of those that belong to the Gerbera genera, usually are gifted to symbolize cheerfulness.
What Does an English Daisy Mean?
English daisies usually symbolize innocence. When paired with primroses, a symbol for childhood, this arrangement symbolizes the love a mother feels for her children.
What is the Cultural Significance of Daisy?
The daisy is a ubiquitous flower in many cultures. Aside from the Celtic legend mentioned above, the Norse and ancient Romans also prized the daisy for its symbolic value.
In Norse mythology, the daisy is recognized as the sacred flower of Freya, the goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. This is why daisies have such strong symbolism when it comes sto motherhood and childbirth.
They also had cultural significance for the ancient Romans. The legend goes that Vertumnus, the god of seasons and gardens, fell in love with Belides, a nymph. Vertumnus pursued her relentlessly. To escape his pursuits, Belides turned herself into a daisy.
What is the Symbolism of a Daisy Tattoo?
The daisy is a popular tattoo choice for women. It has positive symbolism and is often used to represent love, loyalty, faith, and purity when chosen as a tattoo. It has a simple design with its round middle and simple petals, so it’s easy for most tattoo artists to master, too.
When Should You Give Someone a Daisy Flower?
The flower that is symbolic for those who are born in April, daisies are of course the perfect flowers to give to someone in the spring. However, it’s appropriate to give daisies to somebody at any time of the year.
You’ll find the freshest daisy blooms in the spring, so consider giving them at springtime parties. The symbolism of a daisy is fun and lighthearted, so you won’t have to worry about offending anyone with your gift – no matter when you choose to give it.
The daisy is the quintessential springtime flower and epitomizes the feelings of springtime renewal, playfulness, and unending joy.
*Photo by Pecold/depositphotos
