Birth Month Flower

Posted: May 13th, 2009 | Author: simplystephen | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: birth month flower | No Comments »

Each month has a Birth Month Flower, a symbol to represent the month the person was born. It is believed the origin of birth month flowers was the Roman Empire when birthday celebrations involved decorating altars with flowers. Each month had a different flower to celebrate the distinction of the month.

When sending a gift on a person’s birthday, consider the month in which they were born and send the person their birth month flower.

January (Carnation or Snowdrop)

The Carnation, originally from Asia has soft petals but the inside is a hard core a symbol of the strength of winter. It is a sign of beauty, pride, admiration and gratitude.

The Snowdrop, also from Asia but can be found in Europe represented the snow of winter. Since it is the first flower to bloom it’s layer looks like a sheet of snow, hence the name and choice of birth months.

February (Iris or Violet)

The Iris, with three upright petals represents faith, valor, friendship, hope and wisdom.  It also expresses peace of mind. To the Greeks it was a personification of the rainbow, hence a messenger from the gods.

The Violet, found in both northern and southern hemispheres come in a variety of colors, not just violet. A unique flower that offers no scent, as its receptors block the nose from smelling – a good defense from being eaten or picked.

March (Daffodil or Jonquil)

The Daffodil, also known as Jonquil/Narcissus is a late wintering flower that pops it’s bright yellow head through the snow. It can also be found in a white and symbolizes a birth or new beginning – a symbol of hope.

April (Daisy or Sweat Pea)

The Daisy, captures spring as a symbol of playfulness and joy. It brings fortune and pleasure to those that cherish it and comes in many colors, the most common white with a yellow core.

The Sweat Pea, is a reddish flowering pea – though not edible, in fact extremely poisonous. A gardeners favorite for the sweat scent and bright color complement any yard.

May (Lily of the Valley)

The Lily, which comes in many varieties can symbolize a multitude of things depending on the type. The White Lily represents virtue while the Tiger Lily is a symbol of wealth and pride. Lily of the Valley conveys a message of sweetness and humility.

June (Rose or Honeysuckle)

The Rose, is the universal symbol of love. The many different colors have a different meaning. Find out more about the meaning of the rose in this article.

The Honeysuckle, also a June flower is admired for it’s fragrance and beauty.  It symbolizes a bond of love and friendship.

July (Delphinium, Larkspur, Tulip, Water Lily)

The Delphinium, also known as the Larkspur is a light flower, much like the month it represents July, for joy and laughter. A sign of love with an open heart this ardent beauty is a summer favorite.

The Tulip, also the national flower of Holland is by some considered a flower of July and one that expresses natural beauty.

August (Gladiolus or Poppy)

The Gladiolus, suggests strength like the Roman Gladiators, derived from the latin word gladius for sword. A symbol of sincerity, strength and integrity.

The Poppy, is a flower of remembrance for fallen war soldiers, often in November but is a typical common flower that grows plentiful in the summer months as a sign of imagination and oblivion.

September (Aster or Morning Glory)

The Aster, is aptly named after the Greek word for star and comes in over 500 species with a variety of colors. A rich wildflower with a strong perfume when burned they are thought to be a magical flower that can fend of evil. They represent afterthought, faith, wisdom, valor and again love.

The Morning Glory, flowers in the morning and lasts a single day before it withers in the daylight sun. New flowers bloom each day. Another September flower that demonstrates vibrance and awareness.

October (Marigold)

The Marigold or Calendula is a rich yellow October flower, hence referred to by Christians as Mary’s Gold. This brilliance signifies grace and sacred affection.

November (Chrysanthemum)

The Chrysanthemum, commonly called the “mum” unfolds in an orderly fashion seen as a sign of perfection. It carries with it a symbol of rest and meditation but also optimism, abundance and wealth.

December (Poinsettia)

The Poinsettia, probably the most well known Christmas flower can be found in churches and homes throughout the season. One such story is that a child offered a gift to the church but not having much she picked the Poinsettia, viewed as a weed for it’s lack of color. This humble gift then became brilliant and red. A tribute to joy, festivity, good cheer, success and merriment for the Christmas season.

Though different countries and cultures have different flowers to represent each month these main birth month flowers are universally accepted. Those interested in birth month flowers may also find birth stones interesting.

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