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Forget-me-nots are small but mighty flowers, known for their delicate blue petals and sentimental meaning. These flowers have a rich history and have been used to symbolize a variety of emotions, from love and remembrance to hope and loyalty. The name “forget-me-not” is thought to have originated from the flower’s use as a symbol of remembrance and love, and it is often given as a gift to express these feelings.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, symbolism, and meaning of forget-me-nots, and explore different ways to incorporate these beautiful flowers into your life. Whether you’re planning a special event or simply looking for a way to brighten up your home, forget-me-nots are a perfect choice.
About Forget Me Nots
Forget-me-nots are a species of flowering plant in the genus Myosotis. They are native to Europe and Asia and have become naturalized in many other parts of the world. The flowers are small and typically blue, but can also be white, pink, or purple. They have five petals and a yellow center.
The plant typically grows to be 6-12 inches tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. They are often grown as hardy perennials, and they bloom in the spring and summer.
These common and popular garden flowers are grown in almost all temperate zones around the world. The 74 different species of these beautiful flowers are found in New Zealand and Eurasia, while some varieties also grow in South America and North America.
The name “forget-me-not” is said to have originated from the medieval belief that if someone did not wear a forget-me-not on their person, they would be forgotten by the person who gave it to them. German mythology symbolizes this flower in many aspects of history and culture and its name is also derived from the German word for Forget Me Not.
Forget me not have five-petalled yellow and blue flowers that grow on very tall and hairy stems and start to bloom in May and all the way to October. These plants need high moisture and humidity to grow, so they grow near brooks, streams, rivers, and other water bodies in the wild.
German mythology symbolizes this flower in many aspects of history and culture and its name is also derived from the German word for Forget Me Not.
What Do Forget Me Not Flowers Symbolize?
If you gift someone Forget Me Nots, or if someone gifts you a bouquet of these flowers, then it could mean the following things:
- Undying and pure love
- A connection that times don’t weaken
- Remembrance in times of partings or after death
- Loyalty and fidelity in a relationship, even though you are parted or have other challenges
- A growing relationship of love and fondness
- Remembering the good times, you spent with another person
- Symbol of care for the needy, disabled, and poor
- Helping Alzheimer’s patients
Uses of Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) are often grown as ornamental plants due to their small, blue flowers. They can be used in rock gardens, as border plants, or in wildflower gardens. The flowers can also be used as cut flowers for arrangements.
In addition to their ornamental uses, forget-me-nots have also been used for medicinal purposes in the past, such as to treat eye problems and skin irritations.
Forget-me-nots are toxic, so shouldn’t be eaten as a snack as they may cause damage and cancer to the liver. But people have been using this plant for some unproven clinical practices. Some of them are:
- Taken in capsule form or in tea for treating some lung problems.
- Leaves and flowers dried and powered and applied on wounds to stop bleeding.
- Tinctures and tea are used to treat pink eye with eye washes.
- Treating skin irritations and itchiness by infusing it into a salve.
- Treatment of nosebleeds by using capsules.
When Do Forget Me Nots Bloom
They do not have a very long blooming season; flowering starts in early spring and ends in late spring for most outdoor settings. You could enjoy the maximum blooming of Forget Me Nots from April to May, with the flowers dying out in the summer.
Forget Me Not Flowers – What the Different Colors Mean
You can find Forget Me Not flowers in different colors and they signify different emotions and feelings. Here are the meanings of the most common colors of Forget Me Not flowers:
Purple Flowers
This flower is particularly used for the remembrance of the millions of people killed in the early 20th century. It also represents loyalty, adventure, power, wealth, transitions, success, mystery, and travel.
White Flowers
They symbolize care and charity for the less fortunate people. The other meanings of white Forget Me Nots are innocence, youth, guidance, a fresh start, strength, a new beginning, and purity.
Pink Flowers
They represent a love and care relationship between a couple or spouses. They also symbolize optimism, gentleness, femininity, eagerness, playfulness, faithful love, joy, and delicateness.
Blue Flowers
Blue Forget Me Not flowers symbolize growth, power, peace, development, communication, healing, and intelligence.
Cultural Significance of This Plant
These flowers have their own meaning and significance in different cultures and places around the globe. Here are some instances:
English Royalty
King Henry V considered this flower to symbolize endurance and royalty owing to the delicate blue color and so, in 1398, he started to use the blue flower as his formal emblem. This soon became a symbol of success and luck as the king’s exile ended the next year and he regained his throne successfully.
Particularly in the Somerset area, this flower is considered a symbol of protection from witches and a good luck charm for travelers.
Victorian Flower Language
The Victorians considered these flowers as a symbol of devotion and true love. They were much more than symbolizing remembrance and love for someone who died. The small blue flowers were used more to depict love rather than a sign of remembrance.
But with the passage of time, these flowers got their use in funerary arrangements and in carving on tombstones.
Symbol of Love and Devotion in Europe
German legend and European folklore primarily symbolize these flowers for romance and remembrance. Danube River is a specific feature of the stories about Forget Me Not flowers. These stories are different but have the same basic storyline. They tell of a knight who, in the effort of picking these flowers for his lover, falls into the river and is swept away. His lover names these flowers as Forget Me Nots in his remembrance and wears them in her hair for her whole life, till her last breath.
This became the reason why these flowers are associated with remembrance, devotion, and grief for loved ones.
Christian Legend
Different religious stories and themes portray this beautiful flower for Christians. These flowers remind the Christians that God is always watching over them, He does not forget any of His creations, and the people can turn towards God anytime for prayer and help.
Symbolizing in the Modern Era
Today, Forget Me Not flowers are used as a symbol of grieving and remembrance for a lost soul. The Alzheimer’s Association uses this flower as a symbol for raising awareness about memory loss and it is the official symbolic flower of the Armenian Genocide. This flower is the symbolic official flower for the day celebrating the grandparents, besides being the State flower of Alaska.
When To Gift a Forget Me Not To Someone?
You can find Forget Me Not flowers in any place you live as they grow in grassy fields and even in wetlands. When they are in the season of bloom, they are easily accessible. The best time to gift Forget Me Nots is in bouquets, to give at funerals, and in remembrance of loved ones who have got lost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots symbolize love, remembrance, hope, loyalty, and true friendship.
Forget-me-nots are perennials, meaning they come back year after year and are hardy in most climates.
Forget-me-nots are not considered invasive in most regions, but can spread and become a nuisance in certain environments.
The name ‘forget-me-not’ was derived from a German legend about a knight who died while trying to get some flowers for his lady love. Before he died, he called out, ‘Forget me not!’ with his last breath.
Forget-me-nots flower for several weeks during the months of April and May.
Wrapping Up
Forget Me Not flowers are not just adored for their beauty but are also prized for their symbolic meanings. You could give these flowers to loved ones on special occasions or grow them in your garden to add some sweet grandeur. Combining these flowers with others to form bouquets increases their symbolism and meaning. Now you know the meaning of Forget Me Nots, try them out as the next sift for your best friend!
