Description
The Narcissus Necklace December draws inspiration from the narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis), also known as the “water fairy” (shuǐ xiān huā) in Chinese.
Narcissus bulbs can bloom in just a bowl of water and a few stones – no soil, no garden. This extraordinary simplicity has made the flower a symbol of purity, humility, and the ability to flourish with very little.
The narcissus flowers in the depth of winter, usually around the Lunar New Year. Its delicate white petals and golden‑orange corona resemble a fairy standing on the water, hence the poetic name “water fairy.”
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, Narcissus tazetta is one of the earliest cultivated narcissus species, prized for its fragrant, multi‑flowered stems. The Chinese sacred lily (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis) has been grown in China for over 1,000 years.
Why Choose the Narcissus Necklace December for Good Fortune and Purity?
The Water Fairy That Heralds Spring
The narcissus is inseparable from the Lunar New Year. Weeks before the festival, people begin forcing narcissus bulbs in shallow bowls, carefully shaping the leaves and watching for the first buds.
If the flowers open exactly on New Year‘s Day, it is considered a sign of good fortune for the coming year. The narcissus thus embodies hope, fresh starts, and the promise of spring.
A Flower That Wants Nothing but Water
Confucian scholars admired the narcissus for its self‑sufficiency. A clean bowl, clear water, and a few pebbles – that is all it asks. It does not compete for soil or sunlight. It simply blooms, pure and undemanding.
This quality made the narcissus a symbol of the ideal gentleman: content with little, yet able to produce beauty.
Narcissus in Traditional Medicine and Decoration
In traditional Chinese medicine, narcissus bulbs are used to reduce swelling and clear heat. However, the bulbs are toxic and should not be ingested. The Smithsonian Institution notes that narcissus has been a favorite subject in Chinese painting and porcelain for centuries, often appearing in New Year motifs alongside plum blossoms and winter jasmine.
Flower Deity Legend
December’s flower deity is most often associated with Zhen Fu (also known as Empress Zhen), a legendary beauty of the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE).
Zhen Fu was the wife of Yuan Xi, but after the warlord Cao Cao defeated the Yuan family, she was taken as a wife by Cao Pi, who later became the first emperor of the Wei dynasty. She was renowned for her beauty, virtue, and literary talent.
After her death, her son Cao Rui (Emperor Ming of Wei) honored her with the posthumous title “Empress Wenzhao.” Poets compared her to the narcissus – pure, elegant, and tragically beautiful. In some versions, she became the goddess of the Luo River , but her association with the narcissus also made her the flower deity of December.
Another tradition links the narcissus to the two legendary consorts of Emperor Shun, Ehuang and Nüying , who wept tears of blood after his death, creating the spotted bamboo of Xiang River. However, the narcissus is more commonly associated with Zhen Fu.
A simpler folk story says that a kind fairy once helped a poor family by turning water into fragrant flowers. The family sold the flowers for a good price and never went hungry again. This is why the narcissus is called the “water fairy” and is believed to bring wealth and luck.
Those born in December are said to carry the narcissus spirit: pure of heart, content with simplicity, and able to bring beauty wherever they go.
Design & Materials
The pendant features a natural white chalcedony center – representing purity and clarity – surrounded by a handcrafted gold‑plated 925‑silver narcissus blossom.
Its six petals and central cup mirror the classic narcissus form, often depicted in Lunar New Year paintings and porcelain. Each piece arrives in a gift‑ready box with an adjustable silver chain (41–50 cm / 16–20 inches).
How to Wear & Care
· Cleaning: Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
· Avoid Water & Cosmetics: Do not wear while bathing, swimming, or exercising. Perfume and lotions can damage the gold plating.
· Storage: Store in a dry, airtight pouch or box when not worn to prevent scratching.
· Gold Plating Note: The finish mellows over time with regular wear. Proper care prolongs its luster.
Perfect Gift For
· December Birthdays – A unique alternative to traditional birthstones, filled with New Year blessings.
· Lunar New Year – A symbol of good fortune and a fresh start.
· Family Reunions – A gift for parents or grandparents during the holiday season.
· Someone Who Appreciates Simplicity – A tribute to humble beauty and self‑sufficiency.
· Yourself – A reminder that you can bloom beautifully with very little.
More Stories
To learn the stories behind every month’s flower – from plum blossom to narcissus – explore our complete Twelve Flower Deities guide .
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