Culture & Entertainment
What Is My Birth Flower? A Month-By-Month Guide
Photography, Julien Chatelain, Unsplash.com
Culture & Entertainment
What Is My Birth Flower? A Month-By-Month Guide
Do you know what your birth flower is? Here's a month-by-month guide to birth flowers and their meaning.
Every month of the year is associated with a primary and secondary flower. The significance of these flowers varies from culture to culture, but the tradition dates to pre-Christianity and was solidified by the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
These are the birth flowers associated with each month of the year and what they mean.
January: Carnation and snowdrop
Photography, Ellie Ellien, Unsplash.com
Carnations bloom in winter and are associated with love, loyalty and fascination. They also have a theological connotation as they are believed to have sprung from the tears of the Virgin Mary.
On the other hand, snowdrops are small bell-shaped flowers that symbolize hope and rebirth, perfect for the first month of the year.
February: Violet and primrose
Photography, Ashkan Forouzani, Unsplash.com
Violets are a popular ingredient in folklore love potions and are often added to traditional herbal remedies. They symbolize spiritual wisdom and loyalty.
Primroses are also surrounded by mythological meaning and are known to have been Shakespeare's favourite flower. They are associated with youth, renewal, beauty and optimism.
March: Daffodil and jonquil
Photography, Yoksel Zok, Unsplash.com
As the weather turns warmer, the birth flowers get brighter. Daffodils symbolize the start of spring (for many cultures) and rebirth.
Jonquils are actually a variant of the daffodil family and carry similar meanings.
April: Daisy and sweet pea
Photography, Kristine Cinate, Unsplash.com
Daisies are a popular addition to flower arrangements—they come in many colours and contain medicinal qualities often used in traditional remedies. This sweet flower represents innocence and purity.
Delicate sweet peas are associated with pleasure and friendships.
May: Lily of the valley and hawthorn
Photography, Yoksel Zok, Unsplash.com
Lilies of the valley are a popular choice for bridal bouquets and for royal brides. They carry the meaning of happiness and hope and are said to come from Eve's tears as she was banished from the Garden of Eden with Adam.
Hawthorns are similar in their symbolism, representing hope, happiness and faith.
June: Rose and honeysuckle
Photography, Rikonavt, Unsplash.com
Roses are arguably one of the most popular flowers and a favourite of many. This classic flower represents love, romance, courage and beauty. They go ideally with their counterpart, the honeysuckle, which is associated with everlasting love and affection.
July: Water lily and larkspur
Photography, Goran Eidens, Unsplash.com
Both of July's flowers are unique and bold. Water lilies bloom atop ponds of water, symbolizing purity and peace. After four days of blooming, they settle under the water.
The Larkspur, also known as the delphinium, has a similar positive meaning of cheerfulness, joy and beauty.
August: Gladiolus and poppy
Photography, Earl Wilcox, Unsplash.com
These bright, bold flowers are perfect for the height of the summer. Poppies symbolize hope and remembrance, so they're worn to commemorate fallen soldiers.
September: Aster and morning glory
Photography, Bernd Dittrich, Unsplash.com
Asters are unaffected by frosty nights, often blooming in late autumn. They are available all year round, which is why they are associated with powerful love and strength.
The morning glory is dainty but visually striking. It symbolizes love, peace and harmony.
October: Cosmos and marigold
Photography, Mathew Schwartz, Unsplash.com
Originating from Mexico and South America, the cosmos is a flower that blooms in the summer and keeps blooming until early autumn. They represent harmony, kindness and resilience.
Marigolds are unique in their look and represent prosperity and optimism.
November: Chrysanthemum and peony
Photography, Yang Yu, Unsplash.com
Chrysanthemums have been cultivated for over 2,500 years, particularly in China. They are known for their medicinal and ornamental qualities, mainly due to their bright colours. In fact, in Japan, they are associated with the Imperial Family. They symbolize friendship, love and joy.
Peonies are lush and fragrant and represent prosperity, honour and romance. Some peony plants have a lifespan that can go up to 100 years.
December: Narcissus and holly
Photography, Anna Zakharova, Unsplash.com
The Narcissus was popularized during the Victorian era for its beauty and ease of cultivation. It is symbolistic of rebirth and new beginnings.
Holly is widely considered to be a symbol of the festive season. It represents fertility, eternal life, peace and goodwill.
Recommended
6 reasons a pet is good for your mental health
Comments