Forget-me-not
Encyclopedia : F : FO : FOR : Forget-me-not
The Forget-me-nots are the genus Myosotis of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae.
There are about 50 species in the genus, and among them there is inevitably considerable variation. Nevertheless a considerable number of the species fit the same description, of a small (1 cm diameter) rather flat 5-petalled blue flower growing profusely on straggly stems, flowering in spring. Colour variation is not unusual within species, and white or pink forms are quite likely to be seen. They are popular in gardens, and cultivated forms often show a mixture of colours.
Forget-me-nots can be annual or perennial plants. Their root systems are generally diffuse. Their seeds are found in small, tulip shaped pods along the stem to the flower. The pods attach to clothing when brushed against and eventually fall off, leaving the small seed within to germenate elsewhere. The seeds can be collected by putting a piece of paper under the stems and shaking them. The seed pods and some seeds will fall out.
Forget-me-nots are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Setaceous Hebrew Character.
They are widely distributed. Most Myosotis species are endemic to New Zealand, though one or two European species, especially the Wood Forget-me-not, Myosotis sylvatica have been introduced in most of the temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. Myosotis scorpioides is also known as scorpion grass.
The forget-me-not is the state flower of Alaska. It is the official flower of Alpha Phi sorority and Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity.
Why \"Forget-me-not\"?
The name was borrowed from Old French "ne m'oubliez pas" and first used in English in c.1532. Loans and translations of it can be found in most European languages, like German "Vergissmeinnicht", Dutch "vergeet-mij-nietje", Danish "forglem-mig-ej", Swedish "förgätmigej", Romanian "nu-mă-uita", Hungarian "nefelejcs", Czech "pomněnka", Bulgarian "незабравка; (nezabravka)", Russian "незабудка (nezabudka)",Slovak "nezábudka", Polish "niezapominajka", Italian "nontiscordardimé", Spanish "nomeolvides", Japanese "Wasurenagusa", Hebrew "זכריני" (Zichrini) etc.
In the 15th century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower will not be forgotten by their lovers.
Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted "Forget-me-not". This is a flower connected with romance and tragic fate. It was often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love.
Forget-me-not in popular culture
The forget-me-not became the subject of a disco song "Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen in 1982 hitting the Top 10 in many countries. The lyrics include "Sending you forget-me-nots, to help you to remember". This song is notable for the fact its bassline was sampled for both George Michael's Fastlove and Will Smith's Men in Black.Probably also MC Solaar has been inspired by this song (Track: "Les Boys Bandent").
In 1948 the little blue Forget Me Not[Das Vergissmeinnicht The Forget-Me-Not] Accessed February 6 2006. flower, or badge, was adopted as a Masonic emblem at the first Annual Convention of the United Grand Lodges of Germany, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. The flower, or badge, is now universally worn as a Masonic emblem in the coat lapel to remember all those that have suffered in the name of Freemasonry, and specifically those during the Nazi era.[Badge as told by Galen Lodge No 2394 (UGLE)] Accessed March 4 2006. [Flower Badge] Accessed March 4 2006.
Media
References
From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.