Helichrysum sanguineum
| Red everlasting | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Gnaphalieae |
| Genus: | Helichrysum |
| Species: | H. sanguineum |
| Binomial name | |
| Helichrysum sanguineum | |
The red everlasting is a flowering plant of the genus Helichrysum in the daisy family (Asteraceae).
It is a protected plant in some jurisdictions (in particular, Israel and the Palestinian Authority).
It is a symbol for the Israeli Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for the Israeli Fallen Soldiers and the Victims of Terrorism) and is worn on ceremonies on a white shirt.
It is known there as "Blood of the Maccabees" (Hebrew: דם המכבים, Dam Hamakabim). Its name is derived from a legend saying that in every spot one grows, a drop of blood has been spilled on the earth. This is where its significance in the Yom Hazikaron ceremonies comes from, to remind people that much blood has been spilled to allow them to live in the land of Israel.
It is also known in arabic as "دم المسيح" (dam al-Massiah), meaning "blood of Christ".
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