The Daisy Wreath 

Jessie Willcox Smith created this image of two girls with daisies, a symbol steeped in layers of meaning. The daisy, with its radiant, sun-like face, has long been associated with innocence, purity, and new beginnings. The girl weaving the daisy chain is reminiscent of classical depictions of Flora, the goddess of spring, who is often adorned with garlands of flowers. This act of weaving connects to ancient rituals celebrating the cyclical nature of life and the regeneration of the earth. Consider Botticelli's "Primavera," where Flora scatters blossoms, or even the floral crowns worn in pre-Christian spring festivals. These images resonate with the daisy chain here, highlighting how the human impulse to connect with nature through symbolic objects persists. This seemingly simple garland becomes an emotional anchor, evoking the fleeting beauty of youth and the enduring power of nature. The daisy chain returns through time, not always with the same significance, yet forever linked to our collective memory of nature's cycles.