Siberian Iris - Macro Photography

Today's photo is a Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) blooming in my backyard. According to one legend, the iris flower got its name from the Ancient Greek Goddess, Iris. As a messenger between the heavens and the earth, Iris used the rainbow as a bridge, earning her a reputation as the goddess of the rainbow.

One day, when the gods threw a party for the flowers, all the flowers wore their finest attire, but one tiny flower arrived in tattered, dull clothing. Taking pity of this dull flower, Iris declared that the little flower would be clad in the colors of the rainbow. To this day, the flower is known as the Iris and comes in nearly every imaginable color. Siberian Iris come in shades of purple, blue and yellow and even include pink, white and shades of red and orange.