Another International Symbol of the Fight Against TB

  • by John Denune
  • Updated

The white chamomile flower primarily symbolizes peace, calmness, and healing. Its white petals represent purity and innocence, while its bright yellow center is associated with the sun, vitality, and gentle strength. It also stands for endurance in adversity and is the official national flower of Russia.

The white chamomile flower is one of the international symbols for the fight against tuberculosis (TB), originally adopted in the early 20th century to raise public awareness and charity funds. Of course, the other, better known and more widely used international symbol for the fight against TB is the double barred cross.

The Historical Symbolism: "White Chamomile Day"

  • The Origin: In 1909, the Anti-Tuberculosis League in Europe and the Russian Empire created "White Chamomile Day" (also known as the Day of the White Flower) to combat the devastating "White Plague". Countries that used, and still use this symbol include Russia, Latvia, and Israel.