The sight of a field of bright, blood-red poppies exploding in mass under the Italian sun is truly one to behold and one I won’t soon forget. The poppy fields of Italy are truly a spectacular sight to see!
An ancient Roman legend explains, rather romantically, how the poppy adopted the name ‘Corn’ Poppy. According to myth, the poppy was created by the Roman God of sleep, Somnus, in a period when Ceres, the Roman Goddess of grain, was having trouble sleeping after the loss of her daughter, Proserpina; therefore she clearly lacked the energy to make the corn grow. Somnus, realizing the gravity of the situation, allegedly quickly brewed a concoction from the poppy and offered it to Ceres and, so legend has it… “Ceres was soon sleeping like a baby again!” She soon felt rested and relaxed in no time! Ceres suddenly found the energy and turned her attention once again to the corn fields which miraculously began to grow well. The poppy’s appearance along field margins has stood as a strong symbol to the Italian ever since and its presence ensures abundant harvests in the fields.
Jennie says
this is our first spring in italy…is there a certain place we should go to see the poppies or will we see them driving around the aviano area?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Jennie! You will definitely see them around the area. The poppies make for great nutrients in the soil and you will see entire fields, which will get turned over once the poppies die in June.
Andrew says
Ahh yes. Drugging nature to do your bidding. I like the whimsical Greco-Roman Mythos. 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I love that poppies are actually just weeds, yet so incredibly beautiful. Bummed I am missing poppy season at home this year. They will already be dying by the time I get home to Italy.
Albert says
Hello! I am just wondering if you could tell me where this field is located, and when’s the best time to go see these flowers in full bloom. Thank you!