What is the meaning of the jonquil flowe

What is the meaning of the jonquil flower?

The sunny jonquil flower mainly stands for familial bliss and amiability. In most of Eastern Asia, it’s considered a sign of luck and fortune during the New Year.

Conversely, in astrology and numerology, jonquils correspond to the planet Saturn and the number eight, which can mean being selfish and proud.

We’ll explore more of jonquils’ meanings and symbolism, including its specific meanings by color and cultural significance in this guide.

General Information about the Jonquil Plant

General Information about the Jonquil Plant

Genus: Narcissus

Species: Jonquilla

Family: Amaryllis

Life Cycle: Perennial

Native Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions

The jonquil flower (Narcissus jonquilla) is a bulbous perennial herb that’s part of the large amaryllis family.

It’s native to the Mediterranean and other countries which have tropical and subtropical climates. These are characterized by hot and humid summers and cold and drafty winters.

The daffodil-looking plant is commonly grown as ornamental and garden flowers. They are excellent because they last long and give the house a warm and convivial vibe.

Physical Description of Jonquils

Physical Description of Jonquils

Belonging to the genus Narcissus, you may mistake the jonquil for a daffodil, as they look alike.

The jonquil is beautifully shaped like a star. It consists of six roundish petals and a bright yellow or orange center.

Although the flowers sport only white and yellow shades, jonquil hybrids can come in vibrant pink, orange, and red.

Unlike other plants, their leaves are long and linear and grow from their subterranean bulbous roots.

On top of that, jonquils are very aromatic, as opposed to daffodils which only emit a light and subtle scent.

Jonquil Word Origin

Jonquil Word Origin

The word jonquil can be traced back to the early 1700s. It evolved from the Modern Latin word jonquilla or the French word jonquille.

The last two variations of the word were derived from the Spanish junco, which can be traced further to the Latin juncus.

Juncus means reed or rush, which is a plant with long, slender leaves similar to that of the jonquil flower. And that’s how it got its name.

The Jonquil Flower and Its Meaning

The Jonquil Flower and Its Meaning

Along with the daffodil, the jonquil is a March birth flower. It has the special meaning of domestic happiness and amity evident in its sunny and charming features.

The Chinese have grown the jonquil flower for a long time and cut its bulb in various shapes. They believe it brings or aligns them to the movement of fortune and success.

Besides that, jonquil flowers mean pride and vanity, just like Narcissus in the famous Greek legend.

Some cultures, though, associate the jonquil with death. It’s actually said that these flowers grew or originated from the underworld.

As such, you might see people bringing a bouquet or ensemble of jonquils and placing it on or near the tombstone of their loved one.

Plus, there’s an urban legend that says that the jonquil flower won’t bloom if it is pointed at with a finger.

Jonquil Meaning by Color

Jonquil Meaning by Color

Let’s look at what each color of the jonquil flower stands for.

Jonquil Main Colors

  • Yellow

The main color that the jonquil comes in is yellow. Yellow symbolizes joy, cheerfulness, friendliness, and positivity which make it a wonderful flower to gift a loved one or grow in the garden.

Conversely, be aware that yellow has a negative connotation of cowardice, lying, and betrayal too.

  • White

White is an extremely beautiful hue for jonquils. The color signifies the qualities of peace, purity, and innocence.

As all white flowers are, they’re associated with devotion and spirituality. So they can be placed as decoration near a saint figure or Mama Mary.

Moreover, white jonquils usually have a light or canary yellow center, so these colors’ meanings can complement each other.

No matter what season it is, white and yellow is a classic and majestic pair. They’re suitable for special events like weddings, baby showers, baptisms, and job promotions.

Jonquil Hybrid Colors

Now let’s go over the hybrid color meanings of the jonquil flower:

  • Pink

Pink jonquils are highly sought-after for their gentle color. They represent femininity, kindness, and affection.

For a supportive and understanding mom or grandmother, a jonquil bouquet can make for an elegant surprise gift on their birthday or Mother’s Day.

They can express romance too in a light, playful way. And so you can surprise your partner or spouse with pink jonquils on a normal day or a very special occasion.

  • Orange 

With their striking color, orange jonquils symbolize energy and enthusiasm. They’re also reminiscent of sunshine or beautiful sunsets.

Like yellow, it stands for friendship and cheerfulness too. If you want to gift a best friend or a like-minded acquaintance, orange jonquil flowers are terrific!

As for its opposite negative meanings, they can suggest being aggressive, rude, or indecent.

  • Red

Red is a very beautiful and strong color conveying passionate love and romance.

The color’s meaning differs across various cultures in the world. Apart from what we mentioned, red can also be a symbol of anger, vigor, war, bravery, health, and religious faith.

Red jonquil bouquets are indeed a special gift for your Valentine or crush—as a great alternative to roses. They’re also great as wedding bouquets and have that marvelous wow factor!

The Jonquil Flower and Its Cultural Impact

The Jonquil Flower and Its Cultural Impact

Jonquils are regarded differently across cultures and eras:

In China

Jonquils are most famous in the Fujian province and Zhangzhou City situated in the lower eastern part of the country.

This flower is associated with the coming of the New Year. And like round and bright objects and lucky numbers, it’s a symbol of good luck.

And in addition to good luck, the flower can represent longevity, abundance, and a new start for the person.

In England

In England, each flower was given meaning in Floriography, otherwise known as the “language of flowers.”

In that regard, the jonquil symbolizes acceptance and conditional love.

In Greece

  • The Story of Narcissus

In Greek myth, Narcissus was a very handsome person. He was a demi-god, born of a river god named Cephissus and a beautiful nymph Liriope.

At one point, Narcissus had gained many female admirers and suitors, but he rejected them all, including Echo, as he was only very fascinated with his own looks.

Upon knowing this, the goddess Nemesis made Narcissus obsessively fall in love with his own image.

He continued to stare at himself on the surface of a pool, and Echo looked on at him hoping for a second chance. Unfortunately, she took it too hard and gave up on life.

Without caring for himself, not eating and drinking, just looking at the crystal clear reflection of his image in the pool, eventually, he died.

Shortly thereafter, a beautiful narcissus plant grew at that spot.

  • The Abduction of Persephone

Another well-known tale in Greek myth is the horrific abduction of the goddess Persephone by her husband, who is the king of the Underworld, Hades.

It happened when she was gathering lilies in a field. She was so terrified of Hades that she dropped the lilies, which then transformed into jonquils.

In Wales

The daffodil is the national flower of the Welsh people. It’s sometimes called jonquil due to their resemblance.

To them, the jonquil stands for good luck. One of the earliest spring growers, anyone who is said to see it first during springtime will have a great future.

The Benefits and Uses of the Jonquil Flower

The Benefits and Uses of the Jonquil Flower

The delicate bloom has the following benefits and uses:

Cosmetic

Jonquil oil can be extracted from the bulb of the plant. This has been claimed to be effective in treating or alleviating skin-related issues.

Thus, you’ll find jonquil oil as one of the key ingredients used in facial cleansers, acne treatment lotions, and related products.

Perfumery

Jonquils have a relatively complex scent that can be described as a sweet blend of jasmine, lilies, heliotrope flower, and powder.

Thanks to their super fragrant and complex scent, jonquil plants are also used to make a wide variety of perfumes.

Garden Ornamentals

Many people grow jonquils as ornamentals. This can make your garden and house beautiful, cheerful, and welcoming for everyone.

They’re great to grow in clusters of up to 20 blossoms resembling those you see in a pretty meadow. Not to mention, they have a nice, mild fragrance that will freshen up the place.

Medicine

The jonquil plant has several reliable medicinal uses. Traditionally, the herb has been used to help with or treat wounds, infections, muscle spasms, fertility, and bone pain.

For those that are searching for natural remedies to treat these health conditions, using the jonquil plant or flower can work.

Vase or Pot Flowers

Have you just bought jonquils from a florist and cut them to display on a vase? Then that’s perfect because these are just one of the most resilient and long-lasting daffodils!

Also, you can place them in a potting vessel, which can be decoratively set on your patio, porch, deck, or window. After all, their cheery flowers are always pleasant to behold!

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