Coastin Carl
π National DAISY Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
Neither the founder nor the creative origin of this holiday has ever truly been established. We do know National DAISY Day is celebrated on the 28th Day in January. Daisy comes from the Old English word daes eage meaning “day’s eye” reflecting the opening and closing of its petals every day.
Daisies typically feature a central disk surrounded by petals. The central disk is often yellow, and the petals can be white, yellow, or a combination of both. Each petal is usually long and slender, creating a distinctive and recognizable bloom.
SYMBOLISM of Daisies
A daisy holds rich symbolic meanings across cultures. Primarily associated with innocence and purity, these flowers also symbolize love, loyalty, and new beginnings. Their unassuming beauty and simplicity are representations of the untouched beauty found in nature making them versatile and meaningful from weddings to expressions of friendship.
During the Middle Ages, daisies became associated with Christian symbolism, representing virtue, humility, and the Virgin Mary. Even so far as being known as “Mary’s Flower”.
In Scandinavian folklore, it was linked to the goddess Freyja as her sacred flower was associated with fertility, childbirth, motherhood, and new beginnings. Basically, Venus was her Roman counterpart. And it was customary for people to give daisies to new moms. In Germanic traditions, it symbolized love, innocence, and purity.
Paganism believes daisies represent the sun, moon, and stars because of their appearance. And in Celtic cultures, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Daisy VARIETIES
The term “daisy” is broad, containing several species within the Asteraceae family, and has a long history dating back thousands of years. They’re believed to have originated in central and northern Europe, where they grew wild in meadows, forests, fields, streams, and grasslands. Daisies resist frost and are widespread in Asia and were brought to New Zealand and North America.
One well-known variety is the common daisy (Bellis perennis), a low-growing perennial with white petals and a yellow center. Bellis derives from the Latin bellus which means “pretty or beautiful” flower. Perennis means “everlasting” and refers to a perennial plant because it doesn’t lose its leaves in winter.
However, there are numerous other species and hybrids, each with its own unique characteristics. Some daisies have vibrant hues or different petal arrangements, showcasing multiplicity within this floral family.
CULTURAL Significance
Daisies have held cultural importance in many societies throughout history including making their way into literature, art, and folklore. In literature, they’re sometimes used as symbols of nature’s beauty. In art, they’ve been featured in paintings and other artistic expressions.
Daisies are often used in flower arrangements for their versatility and ability to complement assorted settings. They’ve been used in ceremonies, celebrations, and rituals to convey favorable sentiments and wishes.
HERBAL Medicine and Folklore
While mostly admired for ornamental purposes, daisies have also been used in herbal medicine for their therapeutic properties. They were used to treat various ailments, including skin irritations, inflammations, and digestive issues. Daisies also held significance in folklore and superstitions.
In some cultures, it was believed that picking the petals off a daisy while reciting “he loves me, he loves me not” could predict one’s romantic fortune.
Modern CULTIVATION
Today, daisies are cultivated worldwide for their ornamental value and make popular garden flowers. They come in diverse colors and sizes developed to enhance their beauty and appeal. Daisies are also valued for their role in supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles, and hoverflies, making them valuable plants for biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Daisies are hardy and adaptable flowers that can thrive in different environments. Often found in meadows, fields, and gardens, they can tolerate a range of soil types and prefer full sunlight.
These are beloved flowers appreciated for their beauty and the positive emotions they prompt. Whether in gardens, bouquets, or artistic expressions, daisies continue to captivate us with their simple yet enchanting presence.
π¨ HOW to Celebrate & Observe National DAISY Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on National DAISY Day!
π Create Daisy CRAFTS
Make daisy-themed crafts like paper daisy chains, floral wreaths, or daisy-inspired artwork. DIY your house by decorating furniture with daisy motifs or creating personalized daisy-themed accessories.
π PLANT Daisies
Dedicate time to gardening and plant daisies in your garden or pots. Choose different varieties to add a burst of color. Organize a community gardening event to plant daisies in public spaces, spreading joy to your local community or inner city.
π Daisy FASHION Day
Wear clothing or accessories featuring daisy patterns. Encourage friends, family, or work colleagues to dress in daisy-inspired outfits for the day.
π NATURE Picnic Walks
Appreciate wild daisies in the meadows or parks. Pack a picnic lunch with daisy-themed snacks and enjoy the outdoors surrounded by nature’s beauty. Practice mindfulness and meditation in a peaceful outdoor setting, surrounded by daisies. Set positive intentions for the upcoming year.
π ACTIVITIES for Lil Blossoms
Celebrating National DAISY Day can be a delightful and creative experience. Remember to tailor these activities based on the age group and preferences of the children involved. Let the fun and laughter bloom in this special section!
Here are some child-friendly and playful ways for children to celebrate the occasion and honor the charm of DAISIES:
- Daisy Chain Crafting β Teach children how to make daisy chains with fresh or craft materials. This can be a fun and creative activity that also introduces them to their intricate beauty.
- Daisy Cupcake Decorating β Bake cupcakes and let the kids have a blast decorating them with daisy-shaped toppings, colorful icing, and edible flowers all made to look like a daisy!
- Daisy Painting Party β Provide children with paints, brushes, and paper. Encourage them to create daisy-themed paintings. You can also include other art supplies like stickers, glitter, and googly eyes for added fun.
- Daisy Planting Party β Introduce children to gardening by planting daisies in small pots. Provide child-friendly gardening tools and let them get their hands dirty while learning about nature.
- Daisy Picnic β Organize a picnic with daisy-themed snacks, such as sandwiches cut into daisy shapes, and beverages served in daisy-patterned cups. Enjoy the picnic in a local park or your very own backyard.
- Daisy Puzzles and Games β Create or find puzzles and games with daisy themes. Whether it’s a daisy-shaped puzzle or a board game with floral elements, these activities are both entertaining and educational.
- Daisy Storytime β Read children’s books that feature daisies or have daisy-related themes. Afterward, encourage the kids to share their thoughts on the stories or even create their own daisy-inspired tales.
π RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #NationalDaisyDay, #DaisyDay, #Daisy, #Daisies, #ILoveDaisies, #SpecialInterestHolidays, #JanuaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you β€οΈ National DAISY Day.
LEARN more on how to appreciate DAISIES
EASY PAPER DAISY MAKING FOR KIDS
AMAZING DAISIES
DAISY PAPER CRAFTS
ELEVEN Fun Facts you never knew about National DAISY Day
- Daisies make up nearly 10% of all flowering plants on earth.
- In some regions, daisies are sometimes referred to as “thunder flowers” due to a folk belief that the flower’s peak blooming season occurs before summer thunderstorms.
- There are over 23,000 species of daisies, ranging from the iconic white-and-yellow blooms of the common daisy to vibrant hybrids and cultivars with a wide array of colors and petal arrangements.
- Daisies are highly adaptable and can grow in almost any climate and habitat, except for Antarctica.
- In traditional herbal medicine, daisies have been used for their medicinal properties. They have been applied topically to improve skin health by soothing skin irritations & inflammation, and treating wounds, bruises, and cuts. Tea extracts can reduce fever, pain, and inflammation associated with rheumatism and arthritis including respiratory issues, cramps, and spasms.
- A daisy is two flowers in one! The central part of the flower is dubbed a disk. The petals called “disk florets” count as one flower giving the daisy its distinctive rays. Technically the second flower is made up of small tubular flowers clustered together in the center of the “eye”. This gives the daisy the appearance of being a single flower because of its shape.
- This type of flower is called an inflorescence, which means a group of flowers arranged on a stem.
- Daisies have been celebrated in art and literature for centuries, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life. Artists like Vincent van Gogh and writers like William Wordsworth have depicted daisies in their works.
- The Anglo-Saxon version of the word daisy is “daes eage” which translates to “day’s eye” reflecting the flower’s habit of opening its petals during the day and closing them at night, resembling a tiny eye observing the passage of time.
- In medieval times, the English Daisy was known as bone flower or bruisewort. As a holistic remedy, their crushed leaves were used to soothe bruised and blemished skin.
- Daisies are related to sunflowers, artichokes, and chrysanthemums.
Famous PEOPLE also born on January 28th
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Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond (King Henry VII)
Founder of the Tudor dynasty, Henry VII became King of England after his victory at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. His reign marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of a stable period in English history between Scotland. Born 1457.
KING HENRY VII Quote
“Being given to understand your good devoir and entreaty to advance me to the furtherance of my rightful claim, due and lineal inheritance of that crown, and for the just depriving of that homicide and unnatural tyrant which now unjustly bears dominion over you, I give you to understand that no Christian heart can be more full of joy and gladness than the heart of me your poor exiled friend, who will, upon the instant of your sure advertising what power you will make ready and what captains and leaders you get to conduct, be prepared to pass over the sea with such force as my friends here are preparing for me.” [a single sentence]
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Jackson Pollock
American painter and a leading influential figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Best known for his unique “drip painting” technique. His work had a significant impact on the world of modern art. Born 1912.
JACKSON POLLOCK Quote
“The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.”
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Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo (Alan Alda)
American actor, director, and writer, best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on the television series MAS*H. Beyond acting, Alda has been involved in science communication and has hosted the PBS series Scientific American Frontiers. Born 1936.
ALAN ALDA Quote
“Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in awhile, or the light wonβt come in.”
Future DATES for National DAISY Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 28 | Sunday |
| 2025 | January 28 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 28 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 28 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 28 | Friday |
πΌ Daisies FAQ
WHEN is National DAISY Day?
- National DAISY Day is an annual celebration held on January 28th each year.
How many different SPECIES of Daisies are there?
- There are numerous types of daisies, in fact, a staggering 20,000 different species. They literally come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Common species include the African Daisy, Barberton Daisy, Bellis or common English Daisy, Coneflowers, Gerbera Daisies, Gloriosa Daisies, Marguerites, Oxeye Daisy, Painted Daisy, Shasta Daisy, and the Yellow Daisy.
Can Daisies be grown INDOORS?
- Yes, certain varieties of daisies can be grown indoors in pots or containers. But to survive indoors, daisy plants require well-draining potting soil, ample indirect sunlight, and regular watering and feeding. Gerbera and painted daisies are commonly grown as annuals indoors although they can pose a challenge. Shasta daisies, on the other hand, can be initially started indoors and then transplanted outdoors once the threat of the last frost has passed. Nanny grew Shasta daisies.
Why we LπVE National DAISY Day
It prompts us to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of a common flower, reminding us to find joy in the everyday. Daisies symbolize optimism, innocence, and new beginnings, offering the world a gentle nudge to adopt a more positive outlook.
We love National DAISY Day for its celebration of nature’s beauty, its ability to spread positivity and joy, and its encouragement of creative expression.
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NATURE’s Diversity
Daisies come in numerous varieties, colors, and sizes, highlighting the incredible diversity of nature. Celebrating them encourages us to connect with nature and value its intricate tapestry of life. By honoring these flowers on National DAISY Day, we express our appreciation for the beauty found in the natural world which reflects the spiritual one.
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FOLKLORE & Traditions
National DAISY Day keeps alive the folklore and traditions associated with these flowers, preserving cultural heritage and reminding us to delve into our connection to the rich tapestry of past generations. We get to examine unity, learn how to make daisy chains, and explore the whimsical tales and customs surrounding these beloved blossoms.
