Born in the month of December, pop starlet Britney Spears' birth 
flower is the Narcissus, a flower that is known by several 
different names, and has many meanings. The narcissus is most 
commonly known as the daffodil, but is often called the jonquil 
in the Southern states. It is a consummate symbol of spring and 
new beginnings, but also stands for friendship and domestic 
happiness. Its name, Narcissus, when further explained, may give 
this flower yet another connotation.

Narcissus comes from the Greek word "narkissos," derived from 
"narkao," which means to be stupefied. The decision to use the 
name narcissus may have been inspired by either of the following:

* The bulb of the flower is poisonous and has a narcotic effect.

* The myth of Echo and Narcissus, in which Narcissus is a 
handsome boy who will be immortal and beautiful as long as he 
never gazes upon his own reflection. Echo was a wood nymph who 
fell hopelessly in love with Narcissus, but he didn't return her 
feelings. Echo pined for him until all that was left of her was 
her voice. Seeing Echo's tragic end, the goddess Nemesis lured 
Narcissus to a clear lake where he looked in and saw his own 
reflection. He fell madly in love with himself and stayed there 
looking at himself until he simply faded away. In the place where 
he had knelt looking at his reflection sprang up the lovely 
yellow daffodil.

Having different names and meanings, it should come as no 
surprise that the narcissus is also available in many different 
colors and varieties. The most commonly grown variety is what we 
typically think of as the daffodil-a yellow flower with a long 
trumpet that usually blooms in March. However, the narcissus is 
also available colors like rich gold, white, pink, and an orangey 
red. They also come in a variety of sizes from large ruffled 
doubles to miniatures, like the hoop-petticoat daffodil.

Daffodils are suitable for many different gardening options as 
well. They are often planted around the bases of trees and make a 
wonderful early spring filler for flower beds when it's too early 
to plant annuals. They may also be grown in pots inside the house 
or on decks and patios. Their flowers can be cut to use in 
beautiful ornamental bouquets around the home.

So, clearly the narcissus is a versatile flower, suited to many 
situations. It may stand for new beginnings and happiness, but 
may also stand for the vanity of Narcissus. Which best suits 
Britney Spears? I'll leave that opinion up to you.  

Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, 
a successful multi-million dollar business that was 
established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the 
Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school 
located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the 
web at http://www.800wesleys.com.