Flowers have become symbols of countries much earlier than national flags. They not only reflected national culture and history, but were also distinctive signs for their peoples.
Flower greenhouse of state symbols
No country can usurp any flower by forbidding other nations to use it as a symbol. Therefore, the same flowers are sometimes found among the symbols of different countries. Orchid is the most popular. Perhaps because it blooms all year round. Many countries have chosen this flower as a symbol of the constant striving for development. But Singapore was the first to take the orchid as a national symbol. This happened in 1981, after an amateur gardener from this country found for the first time a natural orchid hybrid. The flower was named Wanda Miss Joachim. The second most popular is the white rose. After all, she is a symbol of faith and love. For example, nine roses are depicted on the coat of arms of Finland at once. The lily is the flower symbol of France. Iran has a tulip. Alpine edelweiss - from Switzerland. Some countries have two flower symbols. Yes, the Japanesechose sakura and chrysanthemum for themselves, Australians chose eucalyptus and acacia, Italians chose cyclamen and daisies.
National Symbol of Wales
In some countries where there is a special passion for flowers, even individual districts, regions and cities have their own flower symbols. The UK is exemplary in this regard. Some of its territories have their own flower symbols: Scotland - a thistle, England - a rose, Northern Ireland - a shamrock. The symbol of Wales is the daffodil.
Wales is an administrative and political part (one of the four main ones) of Great Britain. In the distant past, it was a conglomeration of Celtic independent kingdoms. Wales is located in the southwest 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 lakes.
Saint David
The patron saint 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. Many legends are associated with his name, one of which is related to the symbolism of the kingdom. After all, the daffodil is not the only symbol of Wales. During a battle with the Saxons, Saint David suggested to the Welsh that they attach green leeks to their headdresses to distinguish themselves from their enemies. Perhaps it was this advice that played an important role in the outcome of the battle - the victory of Wales. Since then, the leek has become his symbol.
OhSaint David went another legend. It was as if he had the appearance of an angel who predicted death after some time on a specific date - March 1. Since then, the saint began to fulfill his Christian mission even more zealously. David founded about a dozen monasteries, healed the sick, and led an ascetic life. He really died on March 1, the opinions of historians differ regarding the year, but approximately it was 590. David was buried in Pembrokeshire, where a cathedral was built in his honor.
Why is the symbol of Wales a daffodil?
In the 18th century, the Welsh recognized St. David's Day as their national holiday. And, of course, they began to celebrate it in the spring - on March 1, on the day of the death of the saint. During festive festivals and street festivities, the Welsh dress up in national clothes, to which leek and daffodil are attached.
Daffodils in Wales bloom on March 1, so residents believe that this happens specifically in honor of their favorite saint. These flowers symbolize the birth of a new life. In the 19th century, the Welsh officially recognized that the daffodil was the second symbol of Wales.
There is also another version of why the daffodil has become the flower symbol of this land. The word "cenhinen" in translation has two meanings: "narcissus" and "leek". To avoid confusion, both plants have become symbols of Wales. In addition, a lot of daffodils really grow on this land, where you can see entire fields of these beautiful flowers.
The proud daffodil is a symbol of Wales
As already mentioned, the daffodil symbolizes the birth of a new life. At the same time, it is also a symbol of narcissism, cold beauty, selfishness. Many people remember Greek mythology and a handsome young man who remained callously 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 at the place where the Greek youth admired his reflection and even died from this love. Different nations have different attitudes towards this flower. For example, the Italians consider it a flower of passion and give it as a token of love.
The Welsh have chosen a beautiful flower that embodies the symbol of Wales. By the way, Mohammed is credited with saying that he called bread food for the body, and narcissus food for the soul.
