The botanical name “daffodil” only dates back to the 1500s, prior to which time these flowers were called “Affodyle”, which means “that which comes early” in old English.

Daffodils are the national flower of Wales and are often featured on royal emblems alongside the English Tudor rose, the Scottish thistle, and the Irish shamrock.

Narcissus flowers also feature in Chinese folklore, where it is said that a daffodil blooming at home on the New Year brings good luck to the household.

Prince Charles of England is traditionally paid a single daffodil each year as rent for the Island of Sicily.

One of the earliest known instances of art featuring Narcissus flowers is a mural discovered on the excavated wall of a building in Pompeii, which had been buried and preserved in volcanic ash.