From February to May, across the lowlands and up to the semi-mountainous regions of Cyprus, entire fields turn bright red from the blossoms of the paparouna (Papaver rhoeas). This flowering plant grows abundantly in both cultivated and uncultivated fields. Despite its beauty, it is considered a troublesome weed for grain crops because it sprouts early and grows so quickly that it can overtake and stifle the crop.

For thousands of years, the poppy has held a central place in myths and folk beliefs. In Greek mythology, it was considered the sacred plant of the goddess Demeter and a symbol of fertility. According to the myth, Demeter fell in love with the Athenian Mekon and transformed him into a poppy, her sacred flower. As the poppy bloomed amidst the stalks of wheat, it was seen not just as a weed, but as Demeter’s presence among the crops. During the Eleusinian Mysteries, devotees would crown the statues of Demeter with poppies.

Apart from Demeter, poppies are also associated with the twin brothers Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death), the children of Nyx (Night) and Erebus (Darkness), who resided in the Underworld. Because certain species of poppy possess properties that can induce anything from sleep to death, Hypnos and Thanatos were often depicted holding poppies or crowned with them.

According to Christian tradition, poppies grew beneath the Cross of Jesus on Golgotha and their bright red colour is said to come from the drops of His blood that fell upon them.

The tender shoots and leaves of the paparouna are edible. They are often prepared as ladera (stewed in olive oil and tomato sauce) together with other greens, and are also used for making traditional vegetable pies (chortopita). The seeds of the plant are used in sweets and pastries as a substitute for sesame seeds.

In the past, shepherds in Cyprus prepared eye drops from the paparouna to treat their animals, while farmers fed the plant to donkeys and mares as they considered it to be stimulant.

Some other species from the same family as the paparouna are also found in Cyprus, such as the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum, locally known as chaskasin) and the rough poppy (Papaver hybridum).

In older times, the seeds from the capsule of Papaver somniferum were boiled in milk or tea and used as a mild sedative to help children sleep peacefully. Additionally, the plant’s petals were used to make spoon sweets, which were also believed to have calming properties.