Daffodil Day originated in Toronto, Canada in the 1950s during volunteer organised coffee mornings to raise money for cancer awareness and research. Guests were given a daffodil as thanks for their support. The daffodil eventually replaced the sword which had been the Cancer Society emblem since establishment in 1929.     As the ultimate spring flower Daffodils symbolise resilience and new life.  Cancer organisations around the world now use the daffodil as a symbol of hope for all those affected by cancer.

The botanical name for daffodil is ‘Narcissus’, named after a young man known for his beauty in Greek mythology who was tricked into falling in love with his own reflection.  The drooping flowers that characterise most Daffodils are said to represent Narcissus bending over to catch his reflection in a pool of water.

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