Daffodils Against an Irish Stone Wall

Daffodils Against an Irish Stone Wall

Freshly blooming Daffodils dance in the Spring breeze against the backdrop of one of the thousands of miles of dry stone walls that crisscross the Irish countryside.

Despite their abundance in rural areas of Ireland, the Narcissus, commonly known as the Daffodil, probably is not native. They were likely introduced to the Irish countryside by British estate owners to add some color to large woodland areas.

The lovely flower found it’s way to Britain in the pockets of Roman soldiers, who thought the sap of the Daffodil could heal wounds.

The more popular current use of the Daffodil is as a fund-raising symbol for the Irish Cancer Society, which holds a “Daffodil Day” every year in March to raise money for cancer research. This year’s Daffodil Day is March 27.

Local lore dictates that giving someone a single Daffodil or bringing only one into the house brings misfortune, so remember to always give a nice big bundle or bring a large bunch inside to guarantee happiness!

Be warned: there could be side effects… the Arabians used the Daffodil as an aphrodisiac and as a cure for baldness.