Rukkilill

Rukkilill, originally uploaded by raycrowley.

The cornflower is national flower of Estonia.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornflower

"In folklore, cornflowers were worn by young men in love; if the flower faded too quickly, it was taken as a sign that the man's love was unrequited.[3]

In herbalism a decoction of cornflower is effective in treating conjunctivitis, and as a wash for tired eyes.[4]

The Blue Cornflower has been the national flower of Estonia since 1968 and symbolizes daily bread to Estonians. It is also the symbol of the Estonian political party, Rahvaliit, the Finnish political party, National Coalition Party, and the Swedish political party, Liberal People's Party. The Cornflower is also often seen as an inspiration for the romantic symbol of the Blue Flower.

The Blue Cornflower was the favourite flower of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Because of its ties to royalty, authors such as Theodor Fontane have used it, often sarcastically, to comment the social and political climate of the time.


The Crayola company manufactures a color of crayon called Cornflower."