Daffodils

click on the flowers to enlarge

Narcissus (another name for the daffodil), meaning - "narcissism", which comes from "narke, " the Ancient Greek work for deep sleep, stupor or numbness.  Narke is also the root of the word "narcotic."

The name is probably a reference to a toxic paralyzing alkaloid contained within narcissi bulbs.  The good news is the bulbs taste just awful, making it highly unlikely that anyone could even keep down one bite.

Roman soldiers would carry several bulbs with them and if mortally wounded, they'd chow down on the bulbs.  The bulb would work its narcotic wonder and the soldier would painlessly die.

Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, the daffodil is virtually synonymous with spring. Though their botanic name is narcissus, daffodils are sometimes called jonquils, and in England, because of their long association with Lent, they're known as the "Lent Lily."

The vase above arrived with dinner guests.  They were picked from their woods on the peninsula where they grow in vast numbers.

Set as a centerpiece on the dining room table along with a ring of shed antlers they make for a lovely spring display.