Narcissus is the national symbol of Wales

Flowers became symbols of countries much earlier than national flags. They not only reflected national culture and history, but also were distinctive signs for their peoples.

Flower greenhouse of the symbols of states

No country can usurp any flower, prohibiting it from being used as a symbol for other peoples. Therefore, the same flowers are sometimes found among the symbols of different countries. In the first place in terms of prevalence is an orchid. Perhaps because its flowering lasts all year round. Many countries have chosen this flower as a symbol, indicating a constant desire for development. But he first took for himself an orchid as a national symbol of Singapore. This happened in 1981, after an amateur gardener from this country first found a natural hybrid of orchids. The flower was named Wanda Miss Joachim. The second most popular is the white rose. After all, it is a symbol of faith and love. For example, the coat of arms of Finland depicts nine roses at once. The flower symbol of France is the lily. Iran has a tulip. Alpine edelweiss is from Switzerland. Some countries have two flower symbols. So, the Japanese chose for themselves sakura and chrysanthemum, Australians - eucalyptus and acacia, Italians - cyclamen and daisies.

National symbol of Wales

In some countries, where there is a special passion for flowers, even individual regions, regions and cities have their own flower symbols. Indicative in this regard is Great Britain. Its separate territories have their own symbols-flowers: Scotland - a thistle, England - a rose, Northern Ireland - a shamrock. The symbol of Wales is narcissus.

Wales is an administrative-political part (one of the four main) of Great Britain. In the distant past it was a conglomeration of Celtic independent kingdoms. Wales is located in the south-west of the country. Its capital is the city of Cardiff. This land is famous for its vast green valleys, many beautiful churches and medieval castles, as well as rocky peaks and mirror-like smooth lakes.

Saint David

Heavenly patron of Wales - Saint David - is a real person. According to one version, he was the son of the ruler of Powys - a medieval kingdom that occupied the eastern part of Wales. His name is associated with many legends, one of which relates to the symbolism of the kingdom. After all, narcissus is not the only symbol of Wales. During the battle with the Saxons, Saint David invited the Welsh people to attach to their headdress green stalks of leeks to differ from their enemies. Perhaps, it was this council that played an important role in the outcome of the battle - the victory of Wales. Since then leeks have become his symbol.

There was another legend about Saint David. It was as if he was a phenomenon of an angel who foretold death after a certain time - on March 1. Since then, the saint has become even more zealous to fulfill his Christian mission. David founded about a dozen monasteries, healed the sick, led an ascetic life. He really died on March 1, historians disagree on the year of opinion, but approximately it was 590 year. Buried David in Pembrokeshire, there built a cathedral in his honor.

Why is the symbol of Wales a narcissist?

In the 18th century, the Welsh recognized the day of St. David as their national holiday. And, of course, it began to celebrate in the spring - March 1, the day of the death of the saint. During festive festivals and street festivities Welsh dress up in national clothes, to which are attached leeks and narcissus.

Daffodils in Wales bloom on March 1, so residents believe that this is happening specifically in honor of their beloved saint. These flowers symbolize the birth of a new life. In the 19th century, the Welsh people officially recognized that narcissus is the second symbol of Wales.

There is also a different version of why narcissus became a floral symbol of this land. The word "cenhinen" in translation has two meanings: "narcissus" and "leek". To avoid confusion, both plants became symbols of Wales. In addition, there are a lot of daffodils on this land, there you can see whole fields of these beautiful flowers.

Proud daffodil is a symbol of Wales

As already mentioned, narcissus symbolizes the birth of a new life. At the same time, it is also a symbol of self-love, cold beauty, selfishness. Many remember Greek mythology and a handsome youth who remained indifferent to the Nymph Echo in love with him. The young man was punished for neglecting love. He was doomed to love his own reflection in the water. According to the myth, the narcissus grew up just in the place where the Greek youth admired his reflection and even died of this love. Different people have different attitudes to this flower. For example, the Italians consider him a flower of passion and are presented in recognition of love.

Welsh chose a beautiful flower, representing the symbol of Wales. By the way, Mohammed is credited with saying that he called bread the food for the body, and narcissus - food for the soul.