Chief Matilija
A Chumash Flower
Yesterday I returned to Mission Trails Regional Park for another hike. Early on this hike I came across a soaring white and yellow flower ontop of bright green stems.
When I got home I did some research on this majestic flower.
California’s second most well-known poppy (behind the California poppy, of course) also happens to have the largest flower of any native plant in the state. The Matilija poppy, occasionally called the fried egg plant, has long been beloved both in the wild and as a showy garden ornamental.
The Matilija poppy has long captivated humans in the region. The common name may have its origins in tales about the fictional Chumash character, Chief Matilija.
The Chumash told of Chief Matilija and his group of warriors who tried to fight off the ever-present armies. In the myth, the story goes on to tell of Chief Matilija’s daughter, Amatil, who was very much in love with the handsome warrior, Cocopah. Tragically, he was killed in the final battle. Amatil’s love was so deep and so pure that she she laid upon her lover and there she died. What remained of that love was a beautiful flower with pure white petals symbolizing their love and a yellow center to represent the everlasting brilliance of their love. We know this flower as the Matilija Poppy.
(photos by author)
A flower that soars to show the brilliance of everlasting love.
Jon Pinter
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A photograph is a souvenir of an experience that has moved us. Myths are collective memories of shared dreams. They are truer than accepted history. We can argue about whether or not something is a fact, but no one can tell us that our dreams are not true or that something as beautiful as a flower cannot exist. And what better future could we hope for than to wake in glorious sunshine to celebrate the miracle of life?