As the famous lyric in the song goes – sending you Forget-me-nots, to help me to remember! Quite a nostalgic song and quite an unforgettable dainty little flower!
The Forget-me-nots can do just that – help you remember anything you may have seemed to have forgotten. That is not the only thing this flower can stand out for! There is something special about these flowers and you just have to keep on reading to find out!
History of Forget-me-not Flowers
The history of Forget-me-nots is quite a story as cute as the flowers are! It was first defined in 1532 as a small perennial herbaceous plant with bright blue or white flowers arranged in a spike.
Forget-me-nots are a part of the genus Myosotis of the Boraginaceae or Borage family. This genus has the most intriguing history you can imagine. It actually comes from the Greek words myos and ōtis meaning mouse’s ear. Why a mouse’s ear? It’s because the Greeks believed the flowers resembled it.
Although the name for this flower is quite long, it was also previously called the Scorpion grass. The florals are native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, North America, and the tropical areas of Africa.
Some of the very favored species of forget me nots include the common Forget-me-nots (M. sylvatica), the water Forget-me-nots (M. scorpioides), the Field Forget-me-nots (M. arvensis), and the Bay Forget-me-not (M. laxa).
Now, if you’re wondering how this flower got its name, and why people love growing forget me nots, you just have to keep on reading to find out!
Symbolism of Forget-me-not Blossoms
The symbolism behind Forget-me-nots isn’t as obvious as you might think it is. Some say that giving these flowers to someone is a symbol of remembrance. It is an important keepsake or token to be held and beloved in heart and memory.
Not only that, but Myosotis blossoms are also a sign of an ingenious simplicity and a true constancy. And what comes after constancy? Love and faithfulness – which is also what these flowers stand for.
Traveling to Alaska, the Forget-me-nots over there have been honored as the state flower since 1913. They believed it symbolized the nation’s constancy and perseverance.
Meaning of Forget-me-not Flowers
For the meaning behind these flowers, better be prepared because there is quite a lot that are very sentimental yet beautiful. In simple terms, Myosotis flowers can mean memories to remember and hope never to forget. But, the most beautiful meaning behind these blossoms is that true love is the best kind of love!
Forget-me-nots are messengers reminding you of a love that remembers. These flowers say to take time to remember all the things you love – past or present. Create more memories and pass on old tales of gone loved ones to keep their legacy and memory alive.
What does a White Forget-me-not Flower Mean?
A bunch of white Myosotis flowers conveys the meaning of protection from a guardian angel. Likewise, these flowers also mean a hope never gone.
What does a Pink Forget-me-not Blossom Symbolize?
Pink Forget-me-nots are symbolic of sweet memories of innocence and the delicacy of unconditional love.
What does a Blue Forget-me-not Floret Indicate?
Whenever there is trust, there is this feeling of inner peace that surely follows after – and that is just what blue Myosotis blossoms indicate!
What does a Yellow Forget-me-not Bloom Represent?
A yellow Forget-me-not flower represents a sense of order and a great foundation of security – secured memories, life, or love, it’s all up to you!
What is the Cultural Significance of a Forget-me-not Flower?
In Newfoundland, Canada, there is a special celebration in honor of the Forget-me-nots. The flowers are worn on garments every July 1st in memory of all those who died during the First World War.
During the years between the first and second world Wars, the Myosotis flowers were deemed as a floral motif used by German charitable organizations. These groups believe the flower means never to forget the poor and destitute.
It may come as a surprise that these blossoms are also of royal standards. In fact, King Henry IV of England adopted these as an emblem to adorn on the robes and collars of the nobility.
What is the Biblical Meaning of a Forget-me-not Blossom?
Although not directly written in the Holy Bible, there is a pious legend about the Myosotis flowers. According to that legend, when Jesus Christ was a child, He calmly sat on Mary’s lap and wished that future generations would see them.
He covered his Mother’s eyes and waved His hand across the empty field and a fresh spring of blue Forget-me-nots miraculously appeared. A few religious believers say that these flowers were so much bluer than the Virgin Mary’s robe. It symbolized her memory and tenderness.
There is also quite a dainty Christian story about these flowers. When God created all things, He one by one named every living thing in His garden – hoping not to forget anyone. As He was leaving the garden, a small and delicate flower whispered behind Him saying – what am I called, Lord? God, being struck by How forgetfulness smiled down and said – since I have forgotten you and you have reminded me, you shall be Forget-me-not.
What is the Spiritual Influence of a Forget-me-not Floret?
Aside from being a flower of remembrance and good memories, the Forget-me-nots also have a spiritual influence. These flowers aid in feelings of isolation and lack of awareness with all the spiritual connections with the past and its memories. It guides and encourages maintaining a self-aware and responsible connection with lost loved ones.
Not only do these flowers connect with lost loved ones or past memories, but it also helps recognize and acknowledge links with the spiritual sense. It will help in the process of accepting loss and tragedy by strengthening the trust in intuition.
The Forget-me-nots will guide the flow of the love currents in the heart.
What is the Folktale Associated with a Forget-me-not Bloom?
Here it is – another tale as to how the Forget-me-nots got their name! There was a young man who tried to reach a bunch of pretty blue flowers at the edge of a dangerous cliff. Unaware of the dangers, the young man reached too far and lost his balance. As he fell, he threw the flowers towards his sweetheart and shouted the phrase forget me not!
Another myth about this blossom is about practice in cemeteries. Folks say that planting them in the grave of someone you love will have their memory live on forever as long as you live.
What does a Forget-me-not Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
A Forget-me-not floral tattoo does not only symbolize good remembrance of lost loved ones and their stories. Some who have embodied this floral design say that each flower represents someone dear to them who has left or started a new journey without them.
Because of that, this dainty tattoo is symbolic of fond memories, faithfulness to lost loved ones, and love reaching beyond the afterlife.
Uses of Forget-me-nots
The Myosotis flowers are very adored decorative flowers but are sadly considered weeds to farmers and some gardeners. They can be planted as floral covers in gardens or as indoor potted plants. If you’d like to gift these to a special someone, these can be beautifully arranged in a bouquet or vase.
Now, there are also some traditional medicinal uses for the Forget-me-nots. In the early 1900s, a folkloric herbal medicine was made from the juice of the flower and can be used as a syrup to help respiratory problems. Native Americans also had a folkloric medicinal use for these flowers. They used it to treat bites from different animals such as dogs, snakes, spiders, and scorpions!
Europeans traditionally also used flowers to treat lung ailments and nosebleeds. A word of warning that it’s a must to always consult a medical professional before using this plant or any part of it for medical purposes.
~ image source: depositphotos/BreakingTheWalls