The narcissus has been revered since ancient times, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. With its showy yellow-white petals and intoxicating fragrance, the narcissus is truly a sight (and smell) to behold.
Narcissus, also known as the daffodil, is native to southern Europe, though it is also found in Asia, particularly in China. This highly complex, near-narcotic plant is rare and expensive, which is why it’s often reserved for the more exotic perfumes in higher price ranges.
The flower is portrayed in Greek mythology as the result of a trick played by the goddess Nemesis on the handsome hunter Narcissus, who fell in love with a picture of himself in a stream, unaware that it was simply his reflection. Upon discovering the truth, distraught that his love couldn’t be realized, he collapsed into the water and drowned. Where he fell, a beautiful flower bloomed – the lovely narcissus.