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.
The Forget-Me-Not flower holds great significance in Freemasonry as it symbolises both remembrance and a deep connection to the fraternity's core principles. The symbol of remembrance for Masons who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis during World War II gained prominence. However, there are some who believe that its association with Freemasonry can be traced back to the 1700s.
This delicate flower represents the fundamental Masonic virtues of loyalty, fidelity, and true brotherhood. The blue and white colours represent the strong and enduring connection among Masonic brothers, highlighting their dedication to providing mutual support in upholding moral and ethical values. The Forget-Me-Not symbolises unity within the Masonic fraternity, offering a powerful message in a world often marked by divisions. It signifies that Masons are united by common values and principles that go beyond borders and differences. This emphasises the importance of collective moral and ethical development. 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.