under their aprons to ensnare the bachelor of their
choice.CHRYSANTHEMUM A solar symbol associated with
completion and fullness of life, this flower was a
traditional autumn offering flower in the Far East, where
it was cultivated (in China) for over 2,400 years before
being brought to the West. In Italy, chrysanthemums are
associated with death. This flower symbolizes truth and
hope in dark times.DAFFODIL Giving a daffodil symbolizes chivalry. The name
is derived from the Old English affodyle, which means
"an early arrival." The Romans introduced this flower to
Britain.DAHLIA When the conquistadors came to Mexico, they
found that the Aztecs ate dahlia tubers as a treat; the
Aztecs called this flower cocoxochitl. It represents the
instability of perfect physical beauty.DAISY The present name of this flower is derived from the
Old English daeges ege, meaning "day's eye." As a
symbol of innocence, the Christians believed it was
sacred to Mary Magdalene and St. John.FOXGLOVE The name comes from the Old English name
foxes glofa, or "fingers of a glove." The ancients thought
the markings of the flowers were the fingerprints of
fairies and associated this flower with them. The
Victorians thought this flower symbolized insincerity.
The seeds contain digitalis and are poisonous.
GARDENIA In China, this flower represented feminine
grace, subtlety, and artistry, while in the southern states