Forget-Me-Nots: The meaning & symbolism
In this post, you will learn all there is to know about the meaning, symbolism, cultural significance and history of Forget-Me-Not flowers. Discover why giving forget-me-not flower jewellery as a gift is so special for the ones you love and memories you never want to forget!
The Forget Me Not flower is a flower with some of the most significant symbolism and meaning in the world. This beautiful flower may be small, but it carries with it many special meanings that people have assigned to this beautiful bloom for centuries. As its name suggests this flower is truly unforgettable.
What is a Forget Me Not flower?
Forget-me-nots refer to a broad range of flowering plants in the Boraginaceae family. It is also known as Scorpion grass and “mouse’s ear” as the foliage looks like the ear of a mouse. Forget-me-nots are most well known for being blue with yellow centres but they also bloom in several other colours such as white and pink.
The legend of Forget Me Not flowers
There are many old legends about where the meaning and name of the Forget Me Not flowers came from, all stemming from Europe. One of the most well-known legends describes a German knight who was strolling with his lady along the banks of a river.
The lady notices beautiful blue flowers which were about to be pulled out and into the stream of the river. She wanted to save the flowers so the knight jumped into the water and tossed the flowers onto the bank.
He could not fight the current and so was carried out to sea. As he was being swept away he called out “forget me not” in German.
His lady names the flowers Forget Me Not and wore them every day until she dies in honour of her knight.
There is another Greek legend that tells us that when the gods were distributing colours to the flowers, one small flower was heard to whisper ‘forget me not…’There was only blue remaining, and so this delicate flower was born
Etymological Meaning of Forget Me Nots
Myosotis is the Greek word for “mouse ear”, which, as mentioned above, is the name given to it because of the flowers’ shape and side.
The Symbolic Meaning of Forget Me Not Flowers
While traditionally this flower represents remembrance, they also carry several other meanings including true love, devotion, and royalty and are also associated with Alzheimer's and Alaska. There are so many legends and stories from different cultures surrounding this flower, which make it so meaningful to have on a piece of jewellery! Continue reading to learn more!
Remembrance
The most traditional symbolic meaning for these flowers (as the name suggests), is remembrance. This is about remembering those who we have lost but also remembering and cherishing special moments with loved ones. Forget Me Not jewellery is a very special gift to give someone you love who you live far away from or to signify a special occasion that you don’t want to forget.
Eternal True Love & Devotion
This beautiful meaning attributed to the Forget-Me-Not flower comes from the Legend of the German Knight (mentioned above) who was swept out to sea trying to save these flowers for his lady. This story is significant for most of Europe as it pertains to the Danube River which runs through Eurasia and into Western Europe.
This tragic love story has given this flower a powerful association with true, eternal love, devotion beyond death as well as remembrance and grief.
Giving someone forget-me-not jewellery is very significant as you declare your true love and respect for them. It is a testament that you will never forget them and you will always have them in your heart. This flower is beyond ’til death do us part’.
Fidelity & faithfulness
Forget Me Nots are a symbol of fidelity and being faithful to the one you love. By giving someone Forget Me Not jewellery, you are saying to them, “no matter what I will always remember that you are the one for me and I am faithful to only you”. That is a very special and powerful meaning, giving these flowers so much significance.
Long-lasting connection
Forget-me-nots can also symbolise long last connections. This can be for lovers but also for old friends who have known each other for a long time. This is a strong connection that cannot be broken, even if you maybe don’t see each other all that often.
The birth flower for September
If you were born in September, then forget-me-nots symbolise you and your birthday. Forget-me-not jewellery, therefore, makes a great gift for someone born in September.
Victorian Flower Language
For the Victorians, Forget Me Nots were a symbol of remembrance for those who have passed away but more commonly as a symbol of true love and devotion. It was much more rarely used in remembrance and more for people to declare their love, which makes Forget Me Not jewellery the perfect gift for someone you truly love.
English Royalty
Due to the flower's association with King Henry IV, it has also come to symbolise English royalty. This little flower was even added to his formal emblem in 1393. After he was exiled, he went on to regain the throne in England which is why it was given the meaning of luck and protection as well as success. It was used particularly in the Somerset area as a charm to protect people from witches!
Modern Meanings of Forget Me Nots
Today Forget Me Nots still have significant meanings to many different countries and organisations. In Newfoundland it represents those who died in WWI, in Armenia it's a symbol of the Armenian Genocide, it is the State flower for Alaska and is also the symbol for the Alzheimers Society due to its association with memory.
Forget-Me-Not Jewellery as Gifts
Forget Me Nots are unique flowers because they carry a variety of meanings that can be applied to different places and situations in life.
Forget-Me-Not flower jewellery makes a meaningful and wonderful gift for many different occasions. They’re a beautiful way to commemorate someone who has passed, to give to your romantic partner as a declaration of your true love and devotion for them on your anniversary or Valentine's Day. You may like to give them as a birthday gift to your childhood friend. They could also be given to someone who is going travelling or moving overseas for luck and protection.
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