The Forgetmenot
The Forget-Me-Not Flower
Forget-Me-Not is the common name for a small blue flower of the genus Myosotis. Myosotis is a combination of 'mus' (mouse) and 'otis' (ear). That name refers to the shape of the leaves.
The name myosotis originates from the Ancient Greek μυοσωτίς meaning "mouse's ear", which the flower is said to resemble. It is also known as Scorpion Grass.
Forget-Me-Not is the official flower of Alaska and of Dalsland in Sweden.
They are a popular food source for butterflies.
Herbal Medicine
The Forget-me-not flower has a rich history in herbalism and continues to be used for its medicinal properties today. It boasts a diverse chemical composition, including saponin glycosides, tannins, bitter compounds, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and silicic acid. Historically, it has been used to treat nerve-related disorders, depression, ailments, and as a mild sedative. Its versatility extends to skincare applications, thanks to its antiseptic properties and anti-inflammatory compounds, which make it beneficial for conditions like eczema and dermatitis. While adverse reactions are uncommon due to the low quantities of active components in dried flowers, it is crucial to proceed with caution when considering self-medication with forget-me-nots due to the lack of research on its safety and efficacy.
The Name
According to Greek mythology, the supreme god Zeus thought he had given all the plants their names, whereupon the small blue flower shouted “Forget me not!”. Thus, Zeus decided to make life easy for himself by appointing the plant that very name.
A European medieval legend has a French knight picking a bunch of flowers for his beloved. Losing his balance, he fell into the water and promptly sank because of the weight of his armor. As he drowned, he threw the flowers to his beloved, shouting, “Forget me not”.
Forget Me Nots and Freemasonry
Forget-me-nots have a strong symbolic value, and a flower is said to represent fidelity and never-ending love. Alzheimer societies around the world have adopted it as their symbol of memory loss.
In Freemasonry, the Forget Me Not has been relatively recently adopted as the symbol of remembrance for masons persecuted and murdered in Germany and occupied territories in World War II by the Nazis.
However, in some quarters, it is believed that the Forget-Me-Not flower has been closely associated with Freemasonry since the 1700s. It's known to represent remembrance and fidelity, both important masonic virtues. The blue and white colours of the flower are symbolic of the union between a brother and his sorority, as well as loyalty and true brotherhood—something all freemasons should strive for. Many lodges have adopted this symbol as an emblem of their fraternity, featuring it prominently in logos or dedicating their chapter to its spirit throughout plenty of monuments or other symbols around the world.