The language, legends and history for the daisy; the flower for those born in the month of April. The meaning of the daisy's botanical and common name.
What is a Daisy
When we refer to daisies we are referring to several different varieties of flowers all of which bear similar characteristics. The common names for the flowers we refer to as daisies are daisy, marguerite, and ox-eye daisy. The true daisy is bellis perennis; the ox-eye daisy and marguerite are technically chrysanthemums.
Linguistic Roots for the Name Daisy
The Latin name for daisy comes from the word bellus, which literally means beautiful. The common name daisy comes from Old English when native speakers referred to daisies as daeges-eaye or ‘day’s eye,’ which was eventually contracted to the single word daisy. The common name is a result of the fact that daisies open and close in relationship to the amount of sunlight they are receiving. In fact, the sun loving habit of daisies has resulted in the blossom gaining the nickname ‘the sun’s consort’ or ‘sponsa solis.’
The name marguerite has two possible sources. Some suggest that it is derived from the Greek word margaretes, which means pearl. Others think that it is a form of the name Margaret. Margaret of Anjou is the most likely candidate for bestowing her name on the flower since her personal banner had daisies embroidered on it.
The Language of Daisies
Daisies have been the subject of many verses. One favorite verse that everyone learns as a child is s/he loves me, s/he loves me not; s/he loves me, s/he loves me not.” The popularity of this verse has resulted in the daisy being called ‘love’s oracle.’
Like dozens of other flowers, the daisy has been associated with various deities. Historically, daisies were sacred to Freya and Ostara, both Germanic goddesses. The daisy has also been associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Naturally, the Catholic Church adopted it as a symbol of the Virgin Mary because ‘love conquers all things.’
However, the association that has most stuck with the daisy is the reference to it in various ‘Books of Hours,’ which suggested that a person could learn something from even the smallest blossom in God’s creation, the daisy. As a result, the daisy’s contribution to the language of flowers is as a symbol of contempt for worldly goods.’
Speaking with Daisies
If you send daisies to someone, you are sharing with them contempt for worldly goods or the desire for modesty. However, perhaps it would be better get straight to the point and ask whether they love you.
Take a look at a complete list of Flowers of the Month.
Sources
Greenaway, Kate (illus), Marsh, Jean (text). The Illuminated Language of Flowers. Balance House, Ltd, 1978.
Heilmeyer, Marina. The Language of Flowers: Symbols and Myths. Prestel Verlag, 2001.
Wells, Diana. 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 1997
