The concept of a birth flower is a tradition that assigns a specific floral symbol to the month a person is born. This custom connects an individual’s birth date to the natural world, giving them a special emblem. April is uniquely represented by two distinct flowers, both embodying the month’s association with spring, renewal, and fresh starts. These symbols offer a personal way to celebrate a birthday.
Flower One: The Daisy
April’s primary birth flower is the daisy, scientifically known as Bellis perennis, which translates from Latin to “beautiful everlasting.” The common daisy is instantly recognizable by its appearance, typically featuring a bright yellow center surrounded by numerous small, white petals. This structure led to its Old English name, “day’s eye,” referencing the way the flower closes its head at night and opens again with the sun.
The daisy carries a rich symbolism deeply rooted in history and mythology. It has long represented purity and innocence, qualities often attributed to its simple, unblemished appearance. Due to its association with new growth in the spring, the daisy also signifies new beginnings and loyal love.
Ancient Egyptians used the daisy for medicinal purposes, and in Norse mythology, it was considered sacred to Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Different colors carry varied meanings: white signifies innocence, pink represents affection, and yellow is tied to cheerfulness. The flower’s ability to thrive in many conditions also lends it a meaning of resilience and simple happiness.
Flower Two: The Sweet Pea
The second flower for April is the sweet pea, or Lathyrus odoratus, a bloom cherished for its delicate structure and intense fragrance. Unlike the daisy, the sweet pea is a climbing plant that produces clusters of blossoms with a unique, ruffled, butterfly-like shape. These flowers come in a wide palette of colors, including pinks, purples, blues, and white.
The sweet pea’s symbolism centers on themes of pleasure and appreciation, with its sweet scent embodying pleasure and refined tastes. It is also a symbol of gratitude, often used to convey thanks for kindness or a lovely experience. The flower was introduced to England from Sicily in the 17th century and grew significantly in popularity during the Victorian era.
Sweet peas also carry a bittersweet meaning of goodbyes or farewells, making them a traditional parting gift to express thanks for a wonderful time. The colors further refine the message, where purple often represents admiration, and white can symbolize purity and innocence. Overall, the sweet pea’s gentle appearance and intoxicating aroma make it a symbol of delicate, simple joys in life.
The Tradition of Birth Flowers
The practice of assigning flowers to months is a cultural custom with roots in ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks. These early societies often associated specific blooms with deities or used them as tokens in celebrations and rituals. This idea evolved significantly with the Victorian era’s language of flowers, known as floriography, which codified the meanings of plants for discreet communication.
This tradition continues today, with birth flowers serving as personalized emblems that connect people to the natural world. Gifting bouquets featuring a person’s birth month flower offers a thoughtful way to celebrate a birthday or mark a milestone. Beyond fresh arrangements, the flowers are frequently featured in jewelry, custom art, and stationery as permanent keepsakes.