This luxuriant wild flower that adorns Cyprus fields is a symbol of love, new beginnings, and good fortune. Yet, at the same time, thanks to the myth of the Narcissus, it is a symbol of vanity and selfishness.

Interestingly, the local name matsikorida, also known as matsigkortes, is associated with the Virgin Mary’s epithet, Panagia Misericordia, meaning merciful. Meanwhile, its botanical name, Narcissus tazetta, comes from the hero of Greek mythology, Narcissus, and from the Latin word tazetta, meaning small cup, referring to the cup-like shape of the flower’s yellow crown. (Read the story of Narcissus under the post Autumn Narcissus, Daffodil).

Legend has it that in the early 18th century, five hundred bulbs of matsikorida were sent from the fields of Cyprus to France to enrich the royal gardens in Paris with their exquisite fragrance and unparalleled beauty.

The matsikorida has inspired traditional folk songs, such as this beautiful verse: “As the matsikoridon blooms there on the edge of the furrow and gives off its fragrance, so is my love for you…” (Cyp. “Όπως το ματσικόριδο, αντά τζαι πει ν’ ανθίσει, τζιεί πά στην όχτη του αβλάτζιου τζαι εν νά μοσκομυρίσει, έτσι έν τζιει η αγάπη μου…”).

Today, this jewel of Cyprus fields is preserved in the Matsikorido Nature trail, a circular nature path in the community of Pano Arodes. As part of the Akamas Project, and in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, this trail gives walkers the opportunity to wander through fields with the Matsikorida.