The Narcissus, much like the Chinese Lily we see during the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, is a bulbous plant. January to March marks its most splendid period. In the UK, daffodils are ubiquitous, their presence felt nearly everywhere.
There's a distinct difference between the daffodil and the Chinese New Year's Narcissus. The former lacks the intense fragrance of the latter, which fills the air with a delightful aroma when in bloom. Those who have purchased both can surely relate to this difference.
In the UK, daffodils are among the most affordable flowers and are incredibly easy to acquire. They can be found in virtually all major supermarkets, with 10 stems available for as little as £1. I once came across an amusing story about a internet friend from Hong Kong who mistook daffodils for leeks upon their arrival in the UK. Given that supermarkets typically sell them unflowered, they do bear a resemblance to leeks at first glance. Hopefully, that friend didn't actually attempt to cook them.
I would also like to caution pet owners that all Narcissus flowers are slightly toxic. Cats, in particular, might mistake the green plants for catnip and consume them, potentially leading to mild gastrointestinal upset or even severe poisoning and death. If you have Narcissus plants at home, it's best to keep them out of pets' reach. Please be mindful of this. Personally, I'm very fond of daffodils but have had to forgo keeping them at home due to having a cat in recent years.
The name Narcissus originates from ancient Greek mythology, which tells the story of a handsome and stylish young man named Narcissus. He spurned all his suitors' affections and ultimately, under the manipulation of a vengeful goddess, fell in love with his own reflection in a lake. He became so obsessed that he would spend every day by the lake to gaze upon his "beloved". This story exemplifies the extent of Narcissus's self-obsession. Subsequently, the flower that grew by the river was named after him.
The original Chinese text can be found serialized in LivesUp's 'Show 花 So Good' column.