Barley has played a role in the story since the beginning, as part of Demeter’s corporate moniker “Barley Mother.” Historically it is one of the first ever crops cultivated by humans.

It’s likely been in many of Demeter’s headpieces and earrings throughout the series. In episode 192, it also appears in Persephone’s headpiece. This is a time where she is dirty and tired, having worked 10 years and never passing Zeus’ inspection. Could her barley headdress and green hands symbolize Persephone trying her best to do Demeter’s work, while sacrificing her own destiny/purpose?

Introduced in episode 192, two hydrangeas form Persephone’s hairstyle as she takes over Demeter’s job in the mortal realm. The meaning of this flower are many including: apology, unveiling, gratitude, understanding, and devotion to a noble cause. If a soil is acidic, it turns the flower blue, a color (in Victorian society) that symbolized frigidity.

Introduced in episode 192, a lilac is in young Persephone’s hair as her mother peels apples. They can symbolize memories and first emotions of love, which is pretty spot on! Additionally, in greek myth, the lilac was created when the god Pan, in love with the nymph Syringa, pursued her through the forests. Afraid of him, she transformed into a lilac shrub to disguise herself. The story is quite similar to Daphne’s origin story and the concept of Demeter’s home as a place of refuge for nymphs.

periwinkle/catharanthusoften represents early friendships, sweet memories, and harmony. These are seen in young Persephone’s hair when she recounts how she created her first friends, the flower nymphs. The light blue spotted color in the nymphs resembles the color periwinkle.

gypsophila is a small delicate bunch of tiny, white flowers. Beyond being used as fillers in bouquets, it can symbolize innocence and a pure heart. These appear in Persephone’s hair as she tells Hades her “truth” about the Act of Wrath in Episode 131.

Both seated atop a statue, Mulan struggles with a decision about her future in perhaps the same way Persephone struggled with her powers.