He ate it and was transformed into a fish-tailed sea-god. Algaia was the goddess of grace and beauty. (Source: Nonnus) Sacred to : Hera (assoc. The plant has tall stalks with elongated leaves, yellow flowers and feathery seeds. (Source: Athenaeus), See Walnut (both were called karya in Greek), Greek : Krokos The beautiful-princess Atalanta was reluctant to wed, and insisted that her suitors best her in a race. The Hamadryad nymph of the fig-tree. Species : Hordeum vulgare (Source: Apollodorus, Pliny the Elder). Species : Delphinium ajacis It is native to the Middle East and has an ancient history in war as an enhancement for bravery and courage. Many species of trees, bushes, flowers, and herbs grow all over the country, making it an interesting place for botanists. The name of the flower known as ‘iris’ is derived from Iris, messenger of the gods. Mythology : Birth of Hera. with weddings), Aphrodite (assoc. Description : A spring-flowering perennial with grey-green leaves and pale pink-grey-white flowers. So his nurses, the Nymphai Nysiades, screened his crib with ivy-leaves to keep him safely hidden. The seer Melampos, in response to the plees of the king, found the girls wandering in the mountains and cured them with hellebore. Mythology : Hamadryas Kraneia. (Source: Nonnus) Roles of Flowers Goddesses. Iris was also known to be the messenger of Zeus and Hera and used to take messages from "the eye of Heaven" to earth through the curve of the rainbow. Herakles was sent to fetch Kerberos forth from the underworld as one of his twelve labours. Myth 2 : Bouquet of Persephone. Marsh Mallow. It flowers in late spring and produces purplish black berries in the fall. The plant that is now named hyacinth is not the same as the ancient Greek hyakinthos. Until 2017, it was known by the scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis, now a synonym.. Myth 1 : Bouquet of Persephone. Greek : Kraneia Iris:The flower got its name from the Greek goddess Iris, goddess of the rainbow. The name of the flower known as ‘iris’ is derived from Iris, messenger of the gods. Species : Smilax aspera Myth 1 : Dionysos & Viticulture. Sacred to : Hera (assoc. In one of the first centers of civilization, the native flowers of ancient Greece were strong influences on the creation of ancient Greece's extensive mythology. For that plant and the story of the boy Hyakinthos see Larkspur. ANEMONE, POPPY or WINDFLOWER, GREEK. Philyra was a Thessalian Nymphe loved by the Titan Kronos. Greek : Agallis, iris As Hyakinthos lay dying, Apollon caused the larkspur or iris flower to spring forth from his blood, inscribing it with the Greek words "ai ai", alas, alas. In ancient Greece and Rome many crowns were made of wool and foliage such as myrtle and ivy leaves, and were adorned with different flowers, which held various associations through time. Description : A small tree growing to a maximum height of 40 feet. When he was slain by a wild boar, the goddess created the red anemone flower from his blood. Myth 9 : Witchcraft of Medea. Myth 1 : Wedding of Hera. Species : Abies cephalonica, A. alba, A. nordmanniana, A. equi-trojani 2.The Greeks had some strange superstitions about food – some woul… The flowers sprout, and bud,... Lily. A Persian princess who was loved by the sun-god Helios. Mythology : Metamorphosis Klytie. Description : In ancient Athens hemlock poison was traditionally as the method of death for criminals. (Source: Homer), Greek : Krithê Young lovers in ancient Greece hung wreaths on their lovers’ doorways as a sign of affection. Greek Flowers. Tom Nari has been writing professionally since 1998 and has written extensively for a variety of websites. The tree was also prized for its wood. The spittle of the beast dripped upon the earth, and from it sprang the first aconite plant. Sacred to : Apollon (the god and victors of his Phthian Games were crowned with wreaths of laurel ; he was titled Daphnaios) ; Artemis (she had sacred laurel groves and was titled Daphnaia) Garland, a band, or chain, of flowers, foliage, and leaves; it may be joined at the ends to form a circle (), worn on the head (), or draped in loops (festoon or swag). Description : The grape was widely cultivated in ancient Greece for the production of wine. She rewarded him with the creation of the cultivated fig tree. Myth 1 : Thyrsos of Dionysos. Species : Fraxinus ornus When he left her for another, she wasted away and was transformed into a sun-gazing heliotrope. A boy name Askalabos mocked her hunger and in anger the goddess cast the drink upon him, transforming him into a lizard. (Source: Apollodorus, Hyginus) The ancient name for gladiolus was xiphium, which means \"sword.\" This reference is readily apparent from the plant’s tall spikes that produce a multitude of blooms. She then used the same to revive her own dead brother. Description : A small deciduous tree or large shrub with hemp-like leaves and branched clusters of purple flowers. The ancient name for gladiolus was xiphium, which means \"sword.\" This reference is readily apparent from the plant’s tall spikes that produce a multitude of blooms. Sacred to : Apollon (sacred cypress grove at Ortygia), Artemis (sacred cypress groves), Asklepios (his staff was made of cypress) The daughters of King Proitos of Argos were driven mad by the god Dionysos as punishment for scorning his worship. Mythology : Death of Adonis. She carried a bouquet of flowers and wore a floral wreath in her hair. Myth 1 : Nursing of Dionysos. Species : Ulmus glabra Greek : Pharmakon (singular), pharmaka (plural) Mythology : Fire of Prometheus. Flowering in the first months of summer, this is a drought-tolerant plant that propagates from tubers. Hyakinthos was a handsome, young Spartan prince loved by the gods Apollon and Zephyros. Hot sun. Its slow-burning pith made it an effective torch. According to Greek mythology, the hyacinth was formed from the blood of a young man killed by a discus. Its red stems were desribed as his spilt blood. The stem of the young ash was in the crafting spear-shafts. Species : Apium graveolens and Petroselinum sativum (Sources: Pausanias, Ovid, Hyginus), Greek : Thridax Propagation can be either from corms (purchased at a garden store) or seeds. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! (Source: Athenaeus), Also : Turkish fir and Trojan fir The aromatic leaves of the bay are edible and are / were used in cooking. The ancient Greeks used flowers and herbs for adornment and decorations included in artwork. It was named "Amaryllis", meaning sparkling, derived from Greek, by a physician from Leipzig who was on a plant expedition. For an attractive bouquet, the University of Minnesota extension recommends cutting the flower spikes first thing in the morning to avoid the heat of day. Myth 2 : Herb of the Gigantes. The lettuce was therefore regarded as the plant of the death of love, and so of impotency. The Titan Prometheus stole fire from heaven for man, hiding the flame inside a fennel stalk. The seer (mantis), an expert in the art of divination, operated in ancient Greek society through a combination of charismatic inspiration and diverse skills ranging from examining the livers of sacrificed animals to spirit possession.Unlike the palm readers and mediums who exist on the fringe of modern society, many seers were highly paid, well respected, educated members of … Description : An important grain-crop in the ancient word, second only to wheat. (Sources: Pausanias, Ovid) The Greek term for flora is chloris. You will find below a list of varieties of flora in Greece but also information about the flora in Greek mythology. Myth 2 : Poison of Medea. While we associate Amaryllis with the flower, in ancient Greece … Asklepios was the mythical founder of medicine. Flowers play a role in Greek mythology as well; for instance, the narcissus, and hyacinth flowers both represent men whose identities were placed into a flower, and poppies represent Morpheus, the god of dreams. He transformed himself into a bull and breathed a crocus from his mouth to drawn her near and so carry her away. If you've ever seen the fron… Ancient Greece, the Greek Islands, our Greek Eclipse, Greek Eclipse Attire, Greek Flowers, and Turkey. The Greeks took the Egyptian fascination with floral design and incorporated it into their impressive architectural culture. ANEMONE, POPPY. Harvested corms can be stored in winter and planted in March. Description : A summer-blooming herb whose flowers turn to face the sun. Dry summers. Myth 1 : Nymphai Meliai. Attis was a handsome youth loved by the goddess Kybele. The best-known type of Ancient Greek vase is the storage or transport vessel called the amphora, though other types include the pithos, pelike, hydria, and pyxis. Its stems were used to make wicker items. Mythology : Bouquet of Persephone. As a youth he was instructed by the centaur Kheiron in the use of herbal remedies, but went on to perfect the art. Glaukos was a fisherman from the Boiotian town of Anthedon who found a magical herb growing near the shore. Myth 2 : Korymbos. However when she discovered that he had been unfaithful, she forced him to castrate himself and transformed him into a silver fir. (Source: Ovid), Also : Black hellebore, lenten rose The word iris means "eye of heaven" and it was given to the goddess. (Source: Ovid) Myth 2 : Metamorphosis Ampelos. Description : A late-summer and autumn blooming perennial whose yellow stigmas are the source of saffron, a food spice and expensive yellow dye. Description : A small deciduous tree growing 4 to 9 metres tall. (Source: Ovid), Greek : Ampelos The leaves are considered to have been the inspiration for the Corinthian columns of ancient Greece. Sacred to : Artemis (there was a sanctuary of Artemis Kedreatis, Lady of the Cedar, near Orkhomenos where the cult image was set in the tree), Greek : Selinon Myth 1 : Metamorphosis Kyparissos. 1. (Source: Apollodorus, et al), Greek : Lygos, agnos It is derived from the name of the Chloris, the goddess of vegetation, in Greek mythology, reasonably so, if we consider the great number of mythological tales linked to flowers of the Greek flora. (Source: Ovid). She made a fire-resistant salve for the hero Jason when he was forced to face the fire-breathing bulls of king Aeetes ; she put the serpent guardian of the Golden Fleece to sleep with a potion ; restored Jason's father and also the Hyades to youth by boiling them in a cauldron with magical herbs ; and various other magical wonders. A wild iris. The Titan Kronos devoured each of his children as soon as they were born, except Zeus, who was safely hidden away by his mother Rheia. According to others Krokos was metamorphosed into the flower following the death of his love, the Nymph Smilax. The Nymph Smilax was slighted by the boy Krokos and transformed into the vine. Daphne was an Arkadian Nymphe loved by the god Apollon. Sacred to : Helios In terms of presentation, the Greeks liked to arrange their flowers in triangular and symmetrical patterns. ASH, MANNA. Cosmetics used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians were not only for beautifying the face, but were used for their more practical value as well. Myth 7 : Herb of Moria. Daffodil. Myth 1 : Emetic of Kronos. (Source: Nonnus), Greek : Hyakinthos (Source: Virgil) The plants and flowers of ancient Greece were rich in mythology: ranging from the tale of Persephone and the pomegranate seeds, to the flowery metamorphoses of Hyakinthos, the golden apples of the Hesperides, and the tree-morphing nymph Daphne. They were entrusted with the raising of the infant Zeus whom they fed on the honey and the milk of the goat Amaltheia. The Greek term for flora is chloris. Home to over 100 different types of endemic orchid, Greece is also known for its primroses, peonies, anemones, tulips and violets. Found 2 sentences matching phrase "flower".Found in 0 ms. (Sources: Ovid, Philostratus, Pausanias, et al) The king's wife Medea, recognised the youth, and persuaded Aegeas to let her offer him a cup of wine laced with deadly aconite. Sacred to : the Gods (dried everlastings were used to decorate the temples of the gods), Greek : Narthêx Sacred to : Helios Aconitum napellus. The marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) is cultivated in many countries, since … When he killed himself following the death of his beloved pet stag the god transformed him into the cypress tree. Myth 1 : Metamorphosis Sykeus. Download Greek flowers stock photos. The leafy branches were probably used for weddings. Find out some of the famous Greek myths flower inspired. The ball-shaped lettuce of today is a derivitive species (Lactuca sativa). Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of Minnesota: Growing gladious. Modern gardens worldwide can trace their roots back to the gardens of Athens and Sparta. Species : Anemone coronaria (Sources: Ovid, Pliny), Greek : Kedros (Source: Apollodorus) Myth 3 : Nymphai Oreiades. Species : Iris attica, I. pallida The Amaryllis is a stunning flower, grown from a bulb, that is native to Chile and Peru. Sacred to : Haides (asphodel planted around tombs), Persephone & Hekate (statues of these goddesses were adorned with asphodel on the island of Rhodes) Prohibitions : Beans were a prohibited food in the mystery-cult of Demeter. Description : Firs are mountain growing pyrmaidal-shaped conifers. The son of one of the nurses of Dionysos. The god Dionysos discovered or created the first grapevine and instructed mankind the arts of viticulture and winemaking. Oh, and little surprises from the sea. (Source: various) Often considered a bulb plant, the gladiolus is actually a corm. During our visit to Greece we were interested in seeing all the antiquities but we spent nearly as much time enjoying the flowers that covered the fields and gardens everywhere we looked. (Source: Homeric Hymns) These lavender plants,Lavandulaangustifoliawere commonalong the roadsides of the island of Evia and the bees were common ontheir flowers. Ancient gods and goddesses were often represented in art and literature wearing specific plants dedicated to them. Many species of trees, bushes, flowers, and herbs grow all over the country, making it an interesting place for botanists. Species : Aconitum napellus Species : Vitex agnus castus It’s no wonder the classic Greek garden is designed, first and foremost, to stand up to the elements. The nurse of the infant prince Opheltes lay him in a bed of wild celery as she gave directions to the heroes of the Seven Against Thebes. The Gigantes were monstrous sons of Gaia the earth who once made war on the gods of Olympos. Sacred to : Hermes (Source: Hesiod, Apollodorus, Callimachus, et al) Kisseis (the lady of the ivy) was the name of one of these Nymphs. When her father learned of the affair, he buried her beneath the sands. While we associate Amaryllis with the flower, in ancient Greece it was a popular woman's name. Thanks Saskia, this is now correctly identified. The flecks of barley became the creature's spots. The plant was believed to calm sexual appetites and was used as a medicine for women. Everybody knows how rich and exciting Greek Mythology is. It flowers in pink-white blossoms in the spring and produces an autumn crop of edible nuts in a tough shell. Myth 2 : Hospitatity of Phytalos. If you want to find out what your name means in Greek or if you are having trouble finding a new name for your new baby and want it to express the words "Love, Beautiful and Flowers" then check out our list. the use of superstitious charms and spells by the average man), witchcraft (the harmful use of magic) and the concoction of poisons. She was said to have been the first to devise magical herbal potions, and used these magical concoctions to transform men into beasts, including the comrades of Odysseus, the Italian youth Pikos, and the nymph Skylla. Theseus once travelled to Athens to present himself to his long lost father King Aegeas. Polyidos was a seer summoned to the court of King Minos of Krete to find his missing son Glaukos. Sacred to : Dionysos (garlands of bindweed worn in the orgies of the god) Sacred to : Aphrodite (probably planted in the "Adonis-gardens") The earth-goddess Gaia produced first apple-tree as a wedding-present for the goddess Hera. (Source: Pausanias) (Source: Ovid, Plutarch), Greek : Amugdalea We don't know the names of most of them. The youth Melanion (meaning he of the apples) prayed to Aphrodite for help, and the goddess presented him with three golden apples. Parsley. Species : Cupressus sempervirens Showing page 1. A man who hospitably received the goddess Demeter when she was searching for her lost daughter Persephone. Zephyros grew jealous and one day when Apollon was playing quoits with the boy he caught up the disc with his windy breath and struck him in the head. Mythology : Death of Adonis. Aias (or Ajax) was a Greek hero of the Trojan war. These he cast before the princess in the race, slowing her down as she stooped to retrieve them and so won the race. One frequently comes across flower names like Kund कुंद, padam पदम, kumud कुमुद, neelkamal नीलकमल. They also tossed petals onto floors and beds. Planted in March floral wreath in her hair descent from him to Greece – hyacinth! 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