The Field of Narcissus Flowers

Sadeh HaNarkisim, the Field of Narcissus Flowers, is a field north of Tel Aviv, in the Glilot Junction area, one of Israel's busiest traffic arteries. It is one of Israel's largest wild narcissus, or daffodil, fields, and attracts local nature lovers, especially in early winter, when the plants begin to bloom. I first heard about this particular field a couple of years ago but it was not the right time of the year to visit. Recently Mister Handmade in Israel and I ventured out to see the blooming daffodils, though my partner in crime wasn't wearing the right shoes (early winter is also the start of the rainy season and therefore it was quite muddy!) and he ended up staying in the car whilst I went off to explore!

The daffodil field is in an agricultural area, one of the last remaining ones in urban Gush Dan. Besides daffodils, the field contains another 220 species of flora and fauna. Between February and April you can see anemones, Iris palaestina, purple irises, gladioli and other spring flowers. If you are lucky you might also see a hare rushing to a hiding place, or a porcupine, the largest rodent in Asia. Chrozophora tinctoria, a plant species native to the Mediterranean that is in endanger of extinction, also grows there. It produced the blue-purple colourant turnsole used in medieval illuminated manuscripts and was also used as a food colourant.

Daffodils have special cultural significance in many cultures. In Greek mythology the flower is seen as a symbol of vanity, while in China it is considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune.

According to mythology, Narcissus was a hunter who was known for his beauty. He was the son of the river god Cephissus and nymph Liriope. He was conceited and despised those who loved him. Nemesis noticed this behaviour and one day drew Narcissus to a lake, where he saw his own reflection in the water and fell in love with it, not realizing it was only an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus lost his will to live. He stared at his reflection until he died. In that place the narcissus flower grew.

Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a fixation with oneself and ones physical appearance.

Now imagine that this field of narcissus flowers has vanished. The area is designated for construction, though a detailed plan has not yet been approved. The Israel Antiquities Authority has excavated in the area in order to ensure construction does not destroy any archaeological sites there. However, instead of green fields, daffodils, and animals, how terrible would it be to see only concrete, cars, soot and buildings?

"The area in Glilot, where a new neighbourhood is designated to be built, contains relics of the old Tel Baruch Samaritan burial site," the Antiquities Authority said. "Past digs revealed burial systems, mosaics and agricultural facilities."

The daffodil population in Israel has suffered in the past from drought and also from over-picking. Today it is a protected flower, one of the nicest and most common in Israel. It would be so sad to see this field, Israel's second largest wild daffodil field, disappear.

* This post has been shared on Creative Mondays, The Good. The Random. The Fun., Monday Mellow Yellows, Our World Tuesday, Pictorial Tuesday, Tuesdays with a Twist, Travel Tuesday, Wow Us Wednesdays, Wednesday around the World, Outdoor Wednesday, Wanderful Wednesday and Floral Bliss.