The Forget Me Not Flower: Its Meanings & Symbolism
It’s easy to overlook a wild clump of Forget Me Not because most plants produce small flowers. However, this humble plant has a rich history of meaning behind it. As a symbol of myth and history alike, it’s a worthwhile addition to your flower repertoire. Learn more about what the Forget Me Not symbolizes by taking a stroll down memory lane.
What Does the Forget Me Not Flower Mean?
- True and undying love
- Remembrance during partings or after death
- A connection that lasts through time
- Fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, despite separation or other challenges
- Reminders of your favorite memories or time together with another person
- Growing affection between two people
- Honoring the Armenian Genocide
- Helping patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Caring for the poor, disabled, and needy
Etymological Meaning of the Forget Me Not Flower
All of the hundreds of flowers in the Myosotis genus can be called Forget Me Nots. This unusual Greek name means mouse’s ear, which is a pretty literal description of the shape of the flower’s small petals. The descriptive name first came from the German term Vergissmeinnicht. Most stories and myths involving this flower took place in Germany and the surrounding countries, but an English name was in use by the beginning of the 1400 century in the rest of Europe. Despite translation challenges, most other countries use a similar name or phrase to describe the same flower.
Symbolism of the Forget Me Not Flower
Since the Germans coined the most common name used for this flower, it’s natural that there’s a myth of two lovers walking along the Danube River first seeing the bright blue blossoms. The man retrieved the flowers for the woman, but he was swept away by the river and told her not to forget him as he floated away. Whether the story is true or not, it’s certainly made the Forget Me Not a lasting symbol of remembrance. It’s also been adopted as a symbol by the Freemasons who faced persecution for their beliefs, and represents the Armenian Genocide that started in 1915. The Alzheimer’s Society uses it as an icon to raise awareness for the disease and support for caretakers. While the Forget Me Not has played a big role in Europe and America over the last few hundred years, it’s still relatively rarely used in other cultures.
The Forget Me Not Flower Facts
Each variety in the Forget Me Not family produces slightly different flowers, but the main type used for bouquets and flower beds produces small blue flowers with five petals. Careful breeding has produced pink, purple, and white varieties, although they are not as commonly available from florists and nurseries as the classic blue variety. Most types prefer dry conditions and light sandy soils, yet there are varieties that can thrive in any kind of garden or yard.
Forget Me Not Flower Color Meanings
The Armenian Genocide Forget Me Not, which symbolizes the millions of people killed during the early 1900s, is designed with purple petals. Both light and dark blue follows connect most strongly with the remembrance and memory meanings, while a white Forget Me Not can be given as a symbol of charity or care for the less fortunate. Pink varieties usually work best for situations between spouses or romantic partners.
Meaningful Botanical Characteristics of the Forget Me Not Flower
The Forget Me Not is poisonous, so it’s best use as a symbol rather than a snack or treatment because it causes liver cancer and damage. Some historical and unproven uses of the plant include:
- Powdered leaves and flowers for stopping bleeding
- Teas and tinctures used as eye washes for pink eye and styes
- Infused into salves for treating itchy skin and irritations
- Packed into capsules for preventing nosebleeds
- Taken as a tea or capsule for a variety of lung problems
The Forget Me Not Flower’s Message Is…
Take the time to remember those you love, even if they’re still with you right now. Make memories that last and extend your caring to those that need it the most. Respect the dead and make sure their stories are still being told to future generations.
>>Click Here To Learn More And Find Out About Organixx Essential Oils
[…] detail full of strong symbolism, not just in the name. According to the website Flower Meaning, forget-me-nots symbolize “true and undying love,” as well as a “connection that lasts through time,” […]
My husband’s step Dad died suddenly. Sometime later his Mum was giving his clothes to charity and my husband asked if he could take one jacket of many. When I was hanging it up in the wardrobe I checked the pockets and found a small forget me not tie pin. We felt so privileged to have found it. Alex was a delight and we think of him often with love and humour. This is the first time this story has been shared outside of the family. Beautiful forget me nots.
[…] Day: bouquets of flowers and blue, Forget-Me-Nots. They seem synonymous, don’t […]
The flower makes me sad.. I love it..
Forget – me – not ..
Nice article. I have them blooming all around my garden in he Spring. They invade every corner and some parts are so full that the whole place looks teally blue. But I think the “mouse ears” as you say, are not because of the petals, nut because of the leaves. At least the original family. They are just like velvet “ears” and small and round. Maybe the leaves are different in other areas?
“In 1934, soon after dictator Hitler’ s rise to Power, it became evident that Institutions composed of Free minded persons, not exactly nazis minded, such as Freemasons, were in grave danger. Realizing this danger, the Freemasons went undercover and adopted a little flower, the forget me-not, to replace se Square and Compasses as the symbol whereby the Brethren could identify each other in public as well as in the concentration camps of Europe. In 1948, when when the lodges reopened following World War II, this little flower became the official Masonic emblem in honour of the valiant Brethren who carried on their Masonic work under very adverse conditions “.
I have a tattoo on my arm of the forget me not flower in memory of my wonderful dad who sadly passed away with dementia.
My vet sent me a package….I now see why…
More importantly the state flower for Alaska…
Your description inspires with warmth
Lovely write up but the last picture here is Speedwell.
No it’s not.
Given as a gift from an impossible love…not knowing they are my favourite or the full meaning …he gave them as we said goodbye knowing it would be our last time together but the feelings we had would never be forgotten and a piece of our hearts would always be longing for each other
my vet gave me a packet of seeds after my dog had to be sent over the bridge ,,what a lovely gesture from my vet at crossriggs cumnock
Forget me nots …….
a flower that will remind of untold love stories ……
lovely article ….
helps to know a lot about this flower….