The custom is of great antiquity and is mentioned by Theocritus. The single daisy is a favourite flower for the purpose.
The following allusion to the red mouse refers to an ancient superstition concerning one of the many forms of diabolical possession. The “evil one” was supposed to enter the body in the form of a red mouse.
“Mephistopheles.
Wherefore forsakest thou the lovely maiden,
That in the dance so sweetly sang?
“Faust.
Ah! in the midst of it there sprang
A red mouse from her mouth—sufficient reason.”
In the second part of the work we are introduced to an astrologer who, prompted by Mephistopheles, delivers himself as follows:—
“The Sun himself is gold of purest ray;
The herald, Mercury, serves for love and pay;
Dame Venus has bewitched you all, for she,
Early and late, looks on you lovingly;
Chaste Luna has her whims, no two alike;
Mars threatens you, although he may not strike,
And Jupiter is still the splendid star.
Saturn is great, though seeming small and far;
As metal, him we don’t much venerate,
Of value slight, though heavy in his weight.
Now, when of Sol and Luna unions had,—
Silver with gold,—then is the world made glad:
All else, with them, is easy to attain,—
Palaces, gardens, cheeks of rosy stain;
And thus procures this highly learned man,
Who that can do which none of us e’er can.”