Introduction
Birth flowers have unique meanings and historical significance. They reflect your personality, sentiments, and cultural beliefs. Their history dates back to ancient times. They were influenced by folklore, the Victorian love for flower language, and the seasonal availability of the flowers. These flowers make meaningful gifts and serve as personal identity, connecting individuals to tradition and nature.
Many birth flowers are available in various colors, including white flowers that symbolize purity and new beginnings.
Continue reading this article to find out about your birth flower and its significance in your personal life.
What are the Birth Month Flowers?
Birth month flowers are flowers that represent each month of the year. They are associated with the qualities of people born in that month. It originated in ancient Rome where people believed that certain flowers brought luck and protection during the month they bloomed.
Flowers have different significance in various cultures. In Celtic mythology, Hawthorn is believed to heal broken hearts.
The Egyptians believed the water lily symbolized rebirth and was associated with the sun god Ra.
Finding your birth flower by month can help you connect to your roots and form a personal bond as well.
Why Are There Two Birth Flowers Per Month?
There are two birth flowers per month due to cultural differences, seasonal variations, and Victorian influence.
Different cultures allocate flowers for months depending on local availability and cultural significance.
Another reason is that not all flowers are available year-round. Thus, alternatives were chosen depending on seasonal variations and location.
Floriography was very popular in the Victorian era. This also resulted in multiple flowers being associated with each month.
If you love adding fresh fragrances to your home, consider using the best air fresheners for home, including natural floral scents that complement birth flowers.
The Birth Month Flowers
-
January birth flower
Carnation: Carnation is a January birth flower. They come in varied hues and are loved for their spicy fragrance. Carnations are native to the Mediterranean.
Snowdrop: This bell-shaped flower often pops up through the snow in winter. Snowdrops are native to Europe and the Middle East.
-
February birth flower
Violet: A sweet-scented, small, five-petaled flower, Violet is the birth flower for those born in February. It originated in Europe and Asia.
Primrose: This charming wildflower is often found in clusters. Their bloom heralds early spring. It is native to North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
-
March birth flower
Daffodil: People born in March associate themselves with Daffodil which typically blooms in yellow and white. This trumpet-shaped flower is native to Europe and North Africa.
Jonquil: A type of fragrant daffodil, Jonquil is the symbolic flower for those born in February. It originated in Spain and Portugal.
-
April birth flower
Daisy: People born in April are represented by the classic flower Daisy. Daisies are found across Europe, Africa, and North America.
Sweet Pea: Sweet Pea is also associated with April-born individuals. It is a fragrant flower with ruffled petals. The flower originated in Sicily and the Mediterranean.
-
May birth flower
Lily of the Valley: These tiny, bell-shaped white flowers hang from arching stems, exuding a sweet fragrance. This May birth flower is native to Europe and Asia.
Hawthorn: If you are born in May, Hawthorn is your birth flower. A flowering shrub with small flowers that bloom in clusters, it is often accompanied by red berries. Hawthorn is native to Europe, North America, and Asia.
-
June birth flower
Rose: Roses are linked to people celebrating their birthday in June. Loved for its intoxicating fragrance and timeless beauty, roses are among the oldest cultivated flowers.
Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle is another June month birth flower. This vine with tubular, sweetly scented flowers is native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
-
July birth flower
Larkspur: People born in July connect themselves with Larkspur. This flower is native to Europe and North America. It is a tall, spiky flower with lacy petals and blooms in shades of blue, pink, purple, or white.
Water Lily: The Water Lily is another birth flower that defines July-born individuals. This aquatic flower is found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Water lilies are sacred to the ancient Egyptians.
-
August birth flower
Gladiolus: August is signified by Gladiolus, a striking, tall flower with sword-shaped leaves and trumpet-like blossoms. It is native to Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Poppy: People born in August can also associate themselves with poppy. This bold, cup-shaped flower with delicate, paper-thin petals originated in Europe and Asia.
-
September birth flower
Aster: The birth flower for September-born individuals is Aster, a daisy-like flower with a starry appearance. Aster is native to Europe and Asia.
Morning Glory: This August birth flower is a fast-growing vine with trumpet-shaped flowers. Morning Glory originated in Central and South America.
-
October birth flower
Marigold: The Marigold flower defines October-born individuals. This bright flower is native to Mexico and Central America.
Cosmos: Cosmos birth flower is an airy flower with broad, daisy-like petals. It originated in Mexico and South America.
-
November birth flower
Chrysanthemum: November’s birth flower is Chrysanthemum. This lush flower with layered petals is very significant in China during the Double Ninth Festival. In China, it symbolizes Autumn and is the flower of the ninth moon.
Peony: Another birth flower for those born in November is peony. This large, fluffy flower is native to Asia, Europe, and North America.
-
December Birth Flower
Narcissus: People born in December are represented by Narcissus. It is a star-shaped flower that originated from the Mediterranean. The flower has been admired since ancient Greece.
Holly: Holly is a festive plant with glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries, representing December-born people. Holly is native to Europe and North America.
For those who love vibrant and unique blooms, the Vermillionaire plant is another excellent addition to gardens, offering bright colors similar to birth flowers.
Detailed Description of Each Month
-
January birth flower
Carnation: Carnation symbolizes love, admiration, and fascination. Ancient Romans called carnations “Jove’s Flower” and dedicated it to the king of gods. They were used in garlands and ceremonies.
Snowdrop: Snowdrop represents hope, rebirth, and new beginnings.
-
February birth flower
Violet: This tiny velvet February birth flower symbolizes loyalty, wisdom, and humility. In Greek mythology, violets were associated with the goddess Persephone and believed it signify spring.
Primrose: The cheerful Primrose symbolizes young love and new beginnings. An old English superstition claims that bringing a single primrose into the house will bring bad luck, while a bunch brings prosperity.
-
March birth flower
Daffodil: Daffodils symbolize renewal, hope, and the arrival of spring. In Wales, spotting the first daffodil of the season is believed to bring wealth for the year ahead.
Jonquil: The fragrant Jonquil is another March birth flower. It carries messages of affection, joy, and friendship. The name “jonquil” comes from the Spanish word “jonquillo,” meaning “rush.” It is named after its slender leaves that appear rush-like.
-
April birth flower
Daisy: Daisies embody innocence, purity, and new beginnings. The name comes from “day’s eye” because the flower opens with the sun and closes at night.
Sweet Pea: Sweet Pea symbolizes blissful pleasure, gratitude, and goodbyes. Sweet peas were a favorite of Victorian-era lovers and were often added to romantic bouquets.
-
May birth flower
Lily of the Valley: The flower month of May is celebrated with Lily of the Valley. It represents sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness. In Christian folklore, this flower is said to have grown from Eve’s tears after she was cast out of Eden.
Hawthorn: Hawthorn symbolizes hope, love, and protection. Considered a magical tree in Celtic mythology, hawthorn was believed to house fairies, and cutting one down was thought to bring bad luck.
-
June birth flower
Rose: The timeless Rose speaks the language of love, passion, and beauty. In ancient Rome, roses were associated with secrecy.
Honeysuckle: The June birth flower, Honeysuckle is known for its sweet fragrance and climbing vines. It represents devotion, everlasting bonds, and happiness. People in Victorian times believed that planting honeysuckles near their homes would ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
-
July birth flower
Larkspur: Larkspur, the July birth flower represents strong bonds, positivity, and an open heart. According to Native American legend, larkspur got its name from a celestial being who dropped a piece of sky, forming the beautiful blue flowers.
Water Lily: Water lily mirrors purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. In Egyptian mythology, the water lily symbolized rebirth and was associated with the sun god Ra.
-
August birth flower
Gladiolus: Gladiolus symbolizes strength, integrity, and perseverance. The name derives from the Latin “gladius,” meaning, sword. Ancient Romans used it to honor gladiators.
Poppy: The August birth flower poppy carries the mystery of dreams, rest, remembrance, and the beauty of fleeting moments. In Greek mythology, people linked poppies to Hypnos, the god of sleep, and used them as a symbol of rest and remembrance.
-
September birth flower
Aster: Kissed by the first breath of Autumn, Aster blooms to tell a tale of wisdom, love, faith, patience, and elegance. According to ancient Greek folklore, the goddess Astraea wept when she saw no stars in the night sky, and her tears grew into asters.
Morning Glory: Morning Glory blooms in the morning and fades by nightfall, symbolizing fleeting love.
-
October birth flower
Marigold: This golden embers of Autumn radiate warmth, passion, and creativity. People extensively use marigolds in marriages, rituals, and temple offerings in India.
Cosmos: Cosmos is an October birth flower. It represents harmony and the effortless grace of the natural world. People believe that cosmos attract fairies into gardens.
-
November birth flower
Chrysanthemum: The regal chrysanthemum stands for loyalty, friendship, and joy. This flower can also represent longevity and remembrance. The chrysanthemum symbolizes the Emperor and the Imperial Family in Japan.
Peony: The lush Peony represents prosperity, honor, and romance with its opulent bloom. This November birth flower is also linked to good fortune and happy relationships. In medieval times, people planted peonies near homes to protect against misfortune.
-
December birth flower
Narcissus: Narcissus symbolizes hope, rebirth, and self-love. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who fell in love with his reflection. The flower is named after him.
Holly: With its bright red berries and glossy green leaves, this December birth flower symbolizes protection, joy, and good fortune. In ancient Druid traditions, people believed that holly could ward off evil spirits.
How to Use Birth Flowers
- January – Carnation and Snowdrop: Gift a pink or red bouquet of carnations to symbolize love and admiration. You can add snowdrops to winter wedding decor.
- February – Violet and Primrose: Violets in bouquets can make a romantic Valentine’s Day gift. People can combine primrose with roses to create a charming bouquet.
- March – Daffodil and Jonquil: Daffodils make great spring birthdays and Easter decorations. Display Jonquil flower arrangement indoors to welcome spring.
- April – Daisy and Sweet Pea: Daisies are great for baby showers or garden parties. People can use sweet peas as centerpieces or to decorate cakes.
- May – Lily of the Vally and Hawthorn: A Lily of the Valley bouquet makes the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
- People can display hawthorn blossoms in a vase or incorporate them into a floral arrangement.
- June – Rose and Honeysuckle: People can gift roses on anniversaries, weddings, and to express romantic gestures. Honeysuckles are ideal for cut flower arrangements.
- July – Larkspur and Water Lily: Pair Larkspur with other tall flowers like delphiniums to create a stunning, tall bouquet.
Add Water Lilies floral arrangements to summer garden parties for a serene ambiance.
- August – Gladiolus and Poppy: Gladiolus can be given as encouragement gifts. Or add them to sunflowers for an eye-catching summer bouquet. People can use poppies for memorials.
- September – Aster and Morning Glory: People can use asters for birthdays or pair them with other flowers to create an autumn-inspired bouquet. Morning Glory is great for early fall gatherings.
- October – Marigolds and Cosmos: Use Marigolds in autumn weddings or combine them with chrysanthemums for a warm, festive display. Cosmos paired with Marigold or Queen Anne’s lace make a stunning display.
- November – Chrysanthemum and Peony: Chrysanthemums make great Thanksgiving centerpieces.
Use Peonies to create an elegant fall bouquet.
- December – Narcissus and Holly: Mix Narcissus with evergreens and berries to create a holiday centerpiece. Use Holly for Christmas and New Year decorations.
Conclusion
Birth flowers symbolize personality traits, emotions, and unique qualities associated with each birth month. Ancient traditions root them, and folklore and cultural beliefs link them.
Exploring personal connections to flowers can be a meaningful journey. It will reveal insights about your identity and deepen your appreciation for nature.
Have you ever felt a special connection to your birth flower? Share your experiences on how your birth flower has influenced your life.
If you love pink flowers, explore this guide on pink flowers to learn more about their meanings and symbolism.
FAQs
1. What are the flowers for each birth month?
January birth flower: Carnation & Snowdrop
February birth flower: Violet & Primrose
March birth flower: Daffodil & Jonquil
April birth flower: Daisy & Sweet Pea
May birth flower: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn
June birth flower: Rose & Honeysuckle
July birth flower: Larkspur, Water Lily
August birth flower: Gladiolus, Poppy
September birth flower: Aster, Morning Glory
October birth flower: Marigold, Cosmos
November birth flower: Chrysanthemum, Peony
December birth flower: Narcissus, Holly
2. How do I find my Korean birth flower?
Make a Korean birth flower chart by exploring the 365-day Korean birth flowers.
3. Why are there 2 birth flowers for each month?
Each month has two birth flowers due to cultural differences, seasonal variations, and Victorian influence.
4. What is the history behind birth flowers?
Ancient Romans traced the origin of birth flowers. They presented flowers to individuals born in a particular month. This practice evolved over time. Today, people use birth flowers to express sentiments.
5. How can I find my birth flower?
There are two birth flowers in each month. Check the list to find which flower connects with your personality.
6. Are there any myths associated with birth flowers?
Yes. For instance, in Celtic lore, people believed that hawthorns could heal broken hearts.
7. Can birth flowers be used for zodiac signs?
Yes, people can use birth flowers as zodiac flowers.
8. Do birth flowers have health benefits?
People used some birth flowers, like chrysanthemums, in traditional medicine because they believed these flowers had healing properties.
9. Which flowers bloom 12 months?
Under the right conditions, flowers like chrysanthemums and carnations bloom for 12 months.
