Primroses are sweet spring flowers. A common characteristic among primroses is their early spring blooming. The “prim” in the name comes from the Latin word prima, which means first. Thus, one meaning given to the primrose is the first rose of year or prima rosa.
As I learned about primroses, I came across this delightful painting by English artist, Margaret W. Tarrant, titled Young Girl with Primroses. As I gazed into her eyes, I wondered who was the little girl gazing upon or thinking about. She is carefully holding a handful of primroses, almost wanting to offer them to someone. I then recalled that primroses are the first roses of the year, so maybe the little girl wants to offer her flowers to the Mystical Rose, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Regardless, we can offer these words from a children’s prayer to the Virgin Mary, titled “Dear Mother”. May the first rose of our lives, intercede for us in God’s heavenly garden. Mystical Rose, pray for us!
Dear Mother of Jesus,
look down upon me
as I say my prayers slowly
at my mother’s knee.I love thee, O Lady
and please willest thou bring
all little children
to Jesus our King.