The daylily, a popular and resilient perennial belonging to the genus Hemerocallis, is a staple in gardens across the globe. Originating primarily in Asia, this hardy plant is admired for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms and ease of care. Beyond its horticultural appeal, the daylily possesses a complex and ancient symbolic history. Its diverse meanings reflect deeply on human emotions and the passage of time, having been woven into cultural practices for thousands of years.
The Symbolism of Fleeting Joy
The most widespread interpretation of the daylily centers on its transient nature, representing the appreciation of beauty in the present moment. This flower embodies the concept of “beauty for a day,” prompting reflection on life’s ephemeral joys. The vibrant bloom serves as a reminder that intense beauty is short-lived and should be celebrated while it lasts.
Paradoxically, the daylily is also associated with the forgetting of sorrow. In ancient Chinese tradition, the flower was called wàng yōu cǎo, translating to “forget-sorrow grass.” People believed that planting or wearing the flower could help alleviate grief and ward off worries, symbolizing a temporary release from emotional burdens.
In the Western tradition of Victorian Floriography, the flower’s brief lifespan led to a different meaning. The daylily was sometimes used to convey “coquetry” or flirtatious behavior, suggesting a charming but non-serious intention, much like the bloom that vanishes within a single day. This dual nature—from profound sorrow relief to lighthearted flirtation—highlights the flower’s versatility in human expression.
The Biology Behind the Meaning
The symbolism of the daylily is rooted in its unique biological characteristic, which is reflected in its scientific name. The genus Hemerocallis is derived from two Greek words: hēmera, meaning “day,” and kallos, meaning “beauty.” This literal translation confirms the plant’s designation as “day’s beauty.”
The individual flower is a true ephemera, typically opening at dawn and withering by dusk, completing its cycle within 24 hours. While a single bloom has a short life, the plant itself is a prolific bloomer. The flower stalk, or scape, produces numerous buds that open sequentially over several weeks, ensuring a continuous display. This daily cycle of death and renewal inspires the flower’s meaning of transient beauty and fresh beginnings.
Cultural Interpretations and Applications
The daylily holds a deep meaning in Eastern cultures, often separated from the Western focus on its fleeting nature. In China, the daylily is a powerful symbol of maternal love, devotion, and filial piety. It was traditionally given to mothers to express a child’s adoration and a wish for them to forget their troubles.
This association dates back centuries, and the flower is still widely recognized as an emblem for mothers, often appearing in traditional art and literature. The Chinese application emphasizes its connection to the home, representing a wish for longevity and happiness for the matriarch. This focus is less on the flower’s short life and more on its ability to relieve worry and signify enduring familial bonds.
The Western world applied the daylily’s meaning through the Victorian-era language of flowers, or Floriography, as a coded message. The use of “coquetry” was a way to communicate lightheartedness or flirtation that social etiquette often forbade in direct conversation. The daylily’s use in these contexts showcases how different societies have drawn distinct symbolic conclusions from the same botanical trait.