Daisies


 * __ Daisies __ **

The name daisy comes from the Anglo Saxon phrase [|"day's eye"] because the flower opens and closes with the rising and setting of the sun. The flower's origin in Roman mythology is said to be linked to a nymph who danced in the forest. When she realized her dancing was drawing attention to herself, she turned herself into a daisy so today the flower is associated with modesty and simplicity. The daisy is also the flower that women of the Victorian Period would consult for insight about their future in love. The idea of pulling off the petals of a flower saying "He loves me, he loves me not" to determine whether a woman's relationship would continue or end originated with the daisy. In contrast to the idea of love and happiness, when a person is offered the Michaelmas Daisy it means [|farewell.]
 * The Meaning Behind the Daisy**

Daisies were also believed to have healing powers and to provide [|good fortune.] King Henry VIII ate daisies in order to soothe the pain from his ulcer, and daisies steeped in wine were believed to cure insanity. Many farmers looked for daisies to determine the change in the seasons, because spring would not come until a person could place their foot on twelve daisies. Dreaming about daisies in the spring and summer would bring you good luck, but dreaming about these flowers in the winter and fall or transplanting them into a garden meant certain misfortune. Some common meanings of the Daisy is that of, [|innocence and purity] along with representing someone who is free of sin and guilt. They are also a classic symbol of beauty and because of the many different colors available they are known to hold meaning of cheerfulness.

Daisies are also commonly used while one confesses their [|undying love]to another. This is because the daisy is said "to capture the language of love best with its silence." This is because when a maiden gave a daisy it was seen as an honorable gestrue along with an act of affection.

-- As Ophelia enters the room she is surrounded by the King, the Queen, and her brother Laertes and she is carrying many different flowers. Although she does hand flowers to everyone in the room, it is likely that she kept the daisies for herself. The daisies represent innocence and purity, two characteristics that would not describe anyone else in the play except Ophelia. Throughout __Hamlet__ it seems as though she is being used and manipulated by other people and she is not permitted to make her own decisions. The relationship between Opehlia and Hamlet is also well known, and the daisies could represent her love for him. The fact that the Michaelmus daisy means farewell might also provide foreshadowing for the upcoming scenes.
 * Who does Ophelia give daisies to? **