Daffodils

In my family history research, I learned that my Dad's Dad's Mother was from Wales. Today, March 1st is St. David's Day - a national Welsh festival for centuries.  Daffodils are the national symbol of Wales - although the origin is not quite clear:
From Wales.com:

Daffodils: The Welsh for leek (the original national emblem) is Cenhinen, while the Welsh for daffodil is Cenhinen Pedr. Over the years they became confused until the daffodil was adopted as a second emblem of Wales.

From VisitWales.com

Daffodils: This is one for those who believe that contemporary culture is all style over substance. The origins of the national flower of Wales appears to be as an attractive interloper, introduced during the 19^th century, as a replacement for the humble leek. David Lloyd George, the only Welshman to serve as Prime Minister, was a public advocate of the Narcissus (its Latin name) and its appearance in early spring as a symbol of nature’s optimism neatly coincides with St David’s Day on March 1. A more unusual link is that daffodils are grown commercially in Mid Wales to produce galantamine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Daffodils grow really well in Washington State and I wanted to share some old postcards featuring them.


"Mount Rainier forms a backdrop for daffodil fields of the Puyallup Valley" ~1944


"Picking Daffodils, Puyallup Valley, Washington" "Pierce County, of which Puyallup is a part, produces one third the Nation's crop of Daffodils. There are 500 acres of this fertile valley cultivated to produce 300 varieties and about 100 million Daffodils." C. P. Johnston Co., Seattle, Wash.


"One of the Daffodil Farms in the Puyallup Valley which lies between Seattle and Tacoma provides a striking carpet before mighty Mt. Rainier."


"Mt. Rainier and Daffodil Fields, Washington. Ideal soil and weather conditions make the bulb industry one of major importance in the Puyallup valley and other sections of Western Washington" Ektachrome by Clifford B. Ellis


"Daffodil Field in Washington - This field of King Alfreds, one of the hardiest of daffodil varieties, is part of 575 acres in Pierce County, Washington, devoted to producing bulbs for nation-wide distribution. Flowers from bulbs from this area bloom from one to two weeks earlier than those from other sections of the world. Mt. Rainier can be seen in the distance." Color Transparency by Lee Merrill.


"Mt. Rainier and Daffodils - This awe-inspiring view is available every spring in the Puyallup Valley, Washington."


"Majestic Mt. Rainier overlooks this beautiful field of golden daffodils. this section of Washington is noted for its bulb industry and each spring the Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival attracts thousands of visitors to its week-long celebration." Route of the Vista-Dome North Coast Limited

From TheDaffodilFestival.org

Daffodils came to the Puyallup Valley around 1925 to replace the area’s dying hop industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended bulb growing because of the Valley’s excellent soil and ideal climate. About 200 varieties of Daffodils are grown, with the King Alfred being best known and most locally grown.

Daffodil blooms are a cheerful sign that spring is coming!

Happy St. David's Day!