Crocus (plural crocuses)
Latin origin: the crocus is a genus of flowers that derived its name from the Latin word crocatus, which means saffron yellow.

Greek origins: Other sources claim the crocus earned its name from the Greek word for thread after the golden fiber used to make saffron.

English origin: the name is a learned 16th century adaptation from the Latin, but English already had Croh saffron.

Botanical characteristics
Crocus is a genus of flowering plants in the Iris family comprising of 90 species of perennials grown from corns. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Saffron from the crocus flower is used as a spice to season foods, and is also known as an anti- carcinogenic and an antioxidant and boosts the immune system. The spice saffron is obtained from the autumn blooming species in India from the stigmas of the crocus sativas. Its fragrance is used in perfumes and cosmetics.

The Crocus symbolises
The Crocus symbolises cheerfulness, gladness, mirthfulness, glee and youthfulness. The crocus flowers message is one of joy and cheerfulness that celebrates the return of spring.
The crocus flower colour meanings are:-
White – Purity, Innocence and Truth
Purple – Dignity, Pride and Success
Yellow – Cheerfulness, Gladness and Joy

It is no wonder that the crocus has a reputation for cheerfulness after winter.

• According to Greek legend, Crocus was the name of a Greek noble youth who fell deeply in love with Smilax, a beautiful shepherdess. When the gods forbade the marriage to Smilax, poor Crocus killed himself in deep sorrow. Upon discovering his death, Smilax was heart-broken and could not stop crying.
The Goddess Flora tool pity on the distraught Smilax and turned them both into plants. Crocus was turned into a crocus flower while Smilax was turned into a vine. It is said that the Greeks used vines to weave together garlands of crocus flowers for wedding decorations.
The crocus has long been a symbol of youthfulness and cheerfulness. The flower was used by ancient Greeks to ward off the fumes of liquor by weaving the crocus flower into the wreaths to be worn on the head.

• The Egyptians also used the crocus flowers to dispel the fumes from intoxicated liquor by placing spray of flowers on wine glasses.

• The crocus is often found in India so saffron is a symbolic colour and is on of the three colours in the Flag of India.

• The crocus was the emblem of the 2019 FIFA under 20 years world cup in Poland.