Asphodel: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name comes from the Greek word 'asphodelos', which was used to describe several types of lilies.
• In ancient Greek, the root of the word is linked to the concept of 'brightness' or 'light'.

Literature

• Asphodel is frequently mentioned in Greek mythology, particularly in the context of the afterlife, as it was believed to grow in the fields of the dead.
• In modern poetry, it often symbolizes beauty amidst desolation, reflecting hope and resilience.

Cultural Significance

• In ancient times, the flower was associated with the funerary practices of the Greeks, often used in burial rites to honor the deceased.
• Asphodel flowers are part of various cultural myths and folklore, symbolizing both remembrance and mortality.

Botanical Information

• These plants are typically found in Mediterranean climates and adapt well to poor soil, demonstrating nature’s resilience.
• Asphodels can thrive in harsh environments and are recognized for their ability to withstand drought.

Art and Symbolism

• Artists and poets have employed asphodel as a symbol of mourning and remembrance in various works, often used to evoke emotions related to loss.
• In visual arts, the asphodel flower has been depicted in paintings as a marker of a grave or a symbol of the afterlife.

Ranking #37,386, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 37383 bellhop
• 37384 gusted
• 37385 scudded
• 37386 asphodel
• 37387 pointlessly
• 37388 rutabaga
• 37389 antimissile
• ...