Daffodil Tradition

 

Do you know what the hottest accessory is for April? It is the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Pin! It is made up of the Cancer Society’s yellow daffodil symbol re-styled onto a very attractive pin. Everywhere you look, the daffodil pin is proudly displayed on lapels and jackets. They are available in many locations throughout the month of April and are sold by donation.

The Daffodil has become the symbol of cancer research fund-raising in Canada. Each year, local branches of the Cancer Society sell live daffodils.  Three years ago, the first year daffodil pins were sold as well – and they were a hit! In fact, 2013 will mark the beginning of phasing out live daffodils in favour of pins.  They are very lovely and look great on your lapel.  As well as being attractive, these little gems are a visible show of support for cancer research and for people suffering with cancer.  It is a way to say thank you to the many volunteers involved with the Cancer Society and in local hospitals and cancer wards.  It also serves as a reminder that every three minutes someone in Canada is diagnosed with cancer.  Cancer has touched everyone, and many people have a story about fighting back.  The daffodil pin is a visual reminder of that.

How is it that this beautiful little flower became the symbol of solidarity in cancer research? I did a little research and discovered that the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days began in Toronto in the 1950’s. A group of volunteers organized a fundraising tea. They decided to decorate the tables with daffodils, thinking that the bright and cheerful flowers instilled hope that cancer could be beaten. These gatherings soon came to be known as Daffodil Teas. Volunteer Jackie Brockie worked at Eaton’s Store and arranged for Lady Eaton to host a Tea at the store. Over seven hundred women attended! Lane Knight, another volunteer, arranged for restaurants to give part of their proceeds to the Society on the opening day of the cancer canvass in 1956. Volunteers were on hand to give patrons a daffodil as a token of appreciation. When recipients tried to pay for the flowers, the Cancer Society realized that the sale of daffodils could generate revenue, and thus the Cancer Society’s April Daffodil Sale was born. The Daffodil Sale was very successful and has been held every April since then. The idea spread to other provinces and to the American Cancer Society. Today, the Canadian Cancer Society is the world’s largest purchaser of daffodils!

Wear your daffodil pin with pride this month, knowing that the tradition goes back to the days of your grandmother and that this is one way to show those suffering from cancer they are not facing the battle alone.