Pretty, Pretty Narcissus!

  As I was out and about this morning, a strange scent caught my attention.  Since there was a slight easterly breeze, I followed the wafting aroma to find that the Paperwhite Narcissus were blooming.  My thoughts immediately flowed to Mom and her love for these blossoms.  She always stated that they were a sign that winter would not last forever.  Well, in this case, winter has not even really showed its face so the blossoms are early.  They seem to be a bit confused by our summer-like weather.  While it is true that the blooms represent a "new birth" and "purity" with their snow white petals and easy to sprout bulbs, there is a far deeper legend that hides with the plant.

  It seems that the name Narcissus comes from the Greek word for narcotic.  It refers to the almost "addictive" (not really but ok) scent of the blossoms.  It is also tied to a mythical young man by the same name.  It seems that Narcissus was so very handsome that he could not help admiring his beauty whenever he had the chance.  He would venture down to the lake to peer into the glassy waters where he eventually fell in love with his very own reflection.  Then, he literally fell into the lake and drowned.  (hmm?)  Immediately, the Paperwhite Narcissus plants popped out of the ground and bloomed.  Alrighty, then.  This legend is how we came to use the word narcissistic when referring to someone who is self-obsessed.  

  All of this deal with Narcissus made me giggle when I saw an add for Paperwhite Narcissus this evening.  "Great gift!" was how they touted the plant.  While I would be more than happy to receive another plant, one has to wonder about the meaning behind such a gift.  Is the plant given as a reminder of a new beginning or is there an ulterior motive saying "Hey, you are an egoist and need to change before it is too late"?  I, personally, like the flowers simply because they usually bloom when nothing else in the gardens are and because Mom liked them.  

  ~Did you know that there is a difference between an egoist and an egotist?  Yep, both define characteristics that are similar but there is a big difference.  An egotist is self absorbed but feels superior to others in some way.  An egoist simply is preoccupied with his (her) self but does not necessarily feel above others.  Now, aren't you glad I cleared up that for you?