Where did daisy chains originate from?

[Flex]

I'm asking this for a friend, and they're curious to the history behind daisy chains, why they were created and what their symbolism is.

[mikewith]

The common daisy (Bellis perennis) is native to Britain, Europe and Asia Minor and has been around for a *long* time. So it's likely that the daisy chain - a simple, decorative thing - has been around for a long time too.

As for symbolism - the daisy itself is recorded in the Late Middle Ages as symbolising the innocence of the baby Jesus Christ. Daisy chains are often made by children: I expect any symbolism you care to make from that would also involve childhood, innocence, etc.