What is My Birth Flower? Birth Flowers by Month

You’ve heard of the Chinese zodiac, your astrological sign, and even your birthstone, but we bet you didn’t know that you have a birth flower too! This tradition sounds like it would be new, something invented in Victorian England, but believe it or not, it’s a tradition that can be traced all the way back to Ancient Rome.

Back in Rome, folks used flowers to celebrate birthdays and significant events, with very specific symbolic and religious meanings associated with them. The Lupercalia, in particular, was a unique festival that invoked the goddess Flora (whose flower was the rose) and the patrons of the city, Romulus and Remus, to bring a fertile harvest and lots of new babies that year. Some people even say that it’s the festival that became Valentine’s Day, since they share a date!

Festivals like these continued in some way or another well into the Middle Ages, and it was during the Victorian era that these historical associations became enfolded into the "language of flowers", which blossomed over the next century, giving us specific meanings to different blooms and connecting them to times of the year. Today, these birth flowers add a personal touch to birthdays, making birthday bouquets a celebration of personality and uniqueness. Let's dive into the colorful world of birth flowers and discover what bloom represents you!

Before We Begin: Why Are There Two Birth Flowers For Each Month?

You might notice that there are two birth flowers for each month. There are a few reasons for this:

• Different authors from different countries have written about the flowers associated with each birth month, like France, England, and the United States.
• The flowers found in different countries and cultures are quite different, so the list has been expanded to resonate with as many people as possible.
• As time has gone on, some flower varieties became more or less popular, and the lists have been updated. For example, hawthorn doesn’t find its way into many bouquets nowadays.

Now that we have that out of the way and without further ado, lets get into the who's who of birth flowers!

Birth Month Flowers: A Floral Journey Through the Year

January Birth Flowers: Carnation and Snowdrop

Carnation: The carnation used to be referred to as the "flower of the gods," from the Greek word "dianthus". It has long symbolized love, fascination, and innocence. Carnations are also known for their hardiness, which aligns with the resilient spirit often of people born in January.

Snowdrop: The snowdrop, with its delicate white petals, symbolizes hope and new beginnings. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in the late winter, often peeking through the snow, signifying the end of the cold season and the promise of spring.

February Birth Flowers: Violet and Primrose

Violet: If you were born in February, you're likely wise, loyal, and full of youthful energy. Violets are symbols of modesty, humility, and faithfulness. In ancient Greece, they were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Their vibrant purple color and heart-shaped petals have long made them a symbol of romance, and they were especially popular in Victorian times.

Primrose: The primrose, which means "first rose," is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. It symbolizes energy, renewal, and optimism, just like Aquarius. The delicate, cheerful blooms of the primrose used to be the first to push their ways up in early spring.

March Birth Flowers: Daffodil and Jonquil

 

Daffodil: In flower language, Daffodils were used to show your regard for someone you admire, but that meant they could also symbolize unrequited love. Since they’re perennials, they also were associated with long life.

Jonquil: Jonquil are often mistaken for daffodils because they look so similar, but they are a different flower with their own symbolism, specifically desire, sympathy, and the return of affection. The Jonquil reflects the deep sensitivity of Pisces and their wellspring of feeling. March babies, the flowers say you're a constant source of affection, always looking forward to new beginnings.

April Birth Flowers: Daisy and Sweet Pea

Daisy: Daisies have always symbolized innocence and purity. Much of their significance comes from Norse mythology and the goddess Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, magic, and fertility. If this is your flower, there’s a good chance people call you innocent or naive, but that’s not a bad thing!

Sweet Pea: Sweet pea is a flower still found in lots of flower arrangements as stock or filler because of its beautiful white, textured blooms. If you're born in April, you likely have a pure heart and a joyful spirit, spreading happiness wherever you go.

May Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley: This flower is famous from its long use in Christian tradition and its association with the Virgin Mary, and it's said to represent grace and humility, as well as happiness.

Hawthorn: Hawthorn is often found blooming on hedgerows, and it symbolizes hope and supreme happiness. May babies, you're sweet, humble, and full of hope, just like your birth flowers.

June Birth Flowers: Rose and Honeysuckle

 

Rose: Roses are the Madonna of flowers: iconic. Roses symbolize love, passion, and beauty, but each color of the rose has its own specific meaning, from red for love to white for purity and yellow for friendship, meaning they’re multi-faceted, just like Geminis.

Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle is a climbing vine that holds on tight, just like people born in June. It’s a symbol of tenderness and loyalty, and has a deep, memorable fragrance that is completely timeless. If you were born in June, you probably have a timeless elegance too!

July Birth Flowers: Larkspur and Water Lily

Larkspur: Larkspur is a fantastic tool in the florist’s toolbelt, because of its fun, twirly shape. It’s this same reason that it symbolizes lightness, levity, and an open heart. They come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning, but overall they convey a sense of joy and positivity.

Water Lily: Water lilies are an ancient symbol of wisdom and enlightenment, particularly in Eastern cultures. If July is your birth month, you likely bring wisdom and peace to those around you, and your presence is calming and serene.

August Birth Flowers: Gladiolus and Poppy

Poppy: Poppies have a long history of symbolism, all over the world, but they most often are associated with memory and dream. They can also be associated with comfort, because of the pain medication derived from their seeds. People born under this flower are probably a comforting presence.

Gladiolus: Named after the Roman gladiators, the Gladiolus signifies the strength of character and the resilience of those born in August.If that’s you, you're strong and confident, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go.

September Birth Flowers: Aster and Morning Glory

Aster: Asters are said to have grown when the Greek goddess Astraea cried that there weren’t enough stars in the sky, and her tears became flowers. They are named after the Greek word for "star," and they have long been a symbol of faith and wisdom.

Morning Glory: Morning glories symbolize affection, love, and even mortality. They bloom in the morning and fade by evening, representing the fleeting nature of life and beauty. But don’t be sad! That means that if you’re born in September, you’re wise and faithful, living life to the fullest.

October Birth Flowers: Marigold and Cosmos

Marigold: Historically, marigolds have symbolized passion, creativity, and warmth, although the Victorians rather dramatically sent them when they were feeling jealous. In the past, they were used in celebrations and rituals that symbolized the sun and its life-giving energy.

Cosmos: Cosmos flowers symbolize harmony, peace, and tranquility, and they’re often associated with the order and beauty of the universe. October babies, you're likely to have a creative and passionate spirit, bringing warmth and energy to those around you, and you strive for harmony in all aspects of life.

November Birth Flowers: Chrysanthemum and Peony

Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty, honesty, and friendship. In many cultures, they’re also associated with the autumn season, and longevity in particular.

Peony: Peonies symbolize prosperity and romance, as well as honor. They're often associated with prosperity and good fortune, making them a popular choice for celebrations and weddings. If November is your birth month, you're loyal and joyful, with a knack for making others feel appreciated and valued, and maybe even for making money.

December Birth Flowers: Holly and Narcissus

 

Narcissus: Narcissus flowers get a bad rep, because of their association with Narcissus and his whole vanity thing. In fact, Narcissus is just the scientific name for the family of Daffodils and Jonquil, so that means you get two good flowers in one.

Holly: Holly has been associated with December for thousands of years, especially with Christmas. Holly symbolizes protection, defense, and domestic happiness, so if you were born in December, you're protective and nurturing, with a strong sense of home and family and a healthy sense of self-worth.

Birth Flower Chart: A Year in Blooms

To help you keep track of the birth flowers for each month, here is a simple birth flower chart:

Conclusion

So there you have it! Whether you're a resilient Carnation, a wise Violet, or a passionate Marigold, your birth flower says a lot about you. These flowers are more than just pretty blooms; they carry meanings and stories that have been passed down through generations. Embrace your floral spirit and let it inspire you throughout the year. Next time you're celebrating a birthday, why not give a bouquet of birth flowers? It's a thoughtful and meaningful way to show how well you know them, and a great way to bring intention into their next year of life! Check out our Designer's Choice selection and order a custom bouquet with your choice of flowers any day of the year!