What Are Forget-Me-Nots And Why Are They Used In Displays?

One of the most beautiful aspects of floral bouquets and flower arranging is that every type of flower has a place and a purpose, whether they are grand, opulent spectacles or small, bright glimmers.

The Myosotis family of flowers, most commonly known as forget-me-nots, is very much a case of the latter, with the small blue star-shaped flowers providing a remarkably powerful message of affection and memory that belies their small size.

The name itself allegedly comes from a 15th-century German folk tale involving a knight and his love walking alongside the Danube River. He spots the striking blue flowers on the bank but as he goes to pick them he falls in.

Unable to beat the tide, he throws the flowers to his lady and proclaims “Forget me not!” as he is swept along the river, which gives the flower not only its name but also its connection to love, loyalty, and a kind of devotion that transcends life itself.

It is typically used to describe eternal love and send a message that someone is always in their thoughts. Depending on what flowers it is paired with, it can also be a part of tokens of friendship and platonic affection as well, representing their place as a symbol of loyalty.

However, unlike some other flowers that are symbols of love, forget-me-nots are often used in funeral and remembrance displays, often in a similar manner to the poppy used by the Royal British Legion.

Historically, forget-me-nots were part of funeral wreaths and have been seen a lot in portraits remembering lost loved ones and ensuring that their memories and the impact they had will never die.

It is rather curious that such a small flower is used so often in flower arranging but its powerful meaning and striking colours make the forget-me-not appropriately unforgettable.