A birth flower is a floral emblem traditionally associated with the month of an individual’s birth. Similar to a birthstone, the birth flower offers a natural symbol believed to reflect the personality or qualities of those born during that period. This tradition links the natural world to personal identity, providing a meaningful way to celebrate a birthday. Exploring the list of birth flowers for all twelve months reveals the unique meanings and symbolism connected to each month.
The Origin of Birth Flower Symbolism
The practice of assigning symbolic meaning to flowers is deeply rooted in history. Ancient Romans used seasonal blooms to decorate altars and celebrate birthdays, believing they offered protection or good fortune. These early connections laid the groundwork for later, more intricate floral languages.
The tradition gained significant popularity during the Victorian era in England. Strict social etiquette prevented open expression of emotion, fostering the development of floriography, or the language of flowers. This coded system used specific blooms and arrangements to convey secret messages and sentiments.
During this period, the custom of matching a particular flower to each calendar month gained widespread acceptance. The chosen flowers were typically those that bloomed prominently in the Northern Hemisphere. Their established meanings from floriography were adapted to symbolize the traits of those born in the corresponding month, establishing the birth flower tradition as it is known today.
A Comprehensive Guide to Birth Flowers by Month
January: Carnation and Snowdrop
The primary birth flower for January is the Carnation, known for its ruffled petals and lasting bloom, even in colder temperatures. Carnations represent love, fascination, and distinction, embodying deep affections. The colors convey specific messages: bright red symbolizes passionate love, while white denotes pure affection and good luck. Pink carnations often signify gratitude, while yellow historically carried a message of rejection.
January’s secondary flower, the Snowdrop, is a delicate bloom that pushes through the winter ground. It symbolizes hope and rebirth, representing the ability to overcome challenges and the promise of brighter days ahead. Its appearance in late winter acts as a reminder of the coming spring and a resilient spirit.
February: Violet and Primrose
February is symbolized by the Violet, a small flower representing modesty, faithfulness, and spiritual wisdom. Its subtle fragrance and tendency to grow low gave it the Victorian meaning of being “always true.” Purple violets are linked to devotion and loyalty, often chosen to express commitment.
The Primrose serves as the secondary flower, symbolizing young love and devotion. It is often one of the first flowers to bloom after winter, connecting it with new beginnings and youthful exuberance. In floriography, receiving a primrose was interpreted as a silent declaration of lasting affection.
March: Daffodil and Jonquil
The Daffodil is the cheerful symbol of March, representing rebirth, new beginnings, and optimism. This bright, trumpet-shaped bloom is widely regarded as a herald of spring, symbolizing joy after the long winter months. While a single daffodil can suggest misfortune, a whole bouquet conveys happiness and good fortune.
The Jonquil, a fragrant variety of Narcissus, acts as the secondary flower and carries the meaning of strong desire or affection. Distinguished by its rush-like leaves and multiple small blooms per stem, the jonquil is often sent to express a plea for reciprocated affection. Its intense fragrance reinforces its message of lasting love.
April: Daisy and Sweet Pea
April’s primary flower is the Daisy, representing innocence, purity, and loyal love. Its composite structure gave it the Victorian meaning of “true love” and keeping secrets. White daisies symbolize new beginnings and purity, while pink varieties convey gentle admiration.
The Sweet Pea, the secondary bloom, is characterized by its delicate wings and captivating fragrance, symbolizing blissful pleasure and gratitude. In the Victorian era, sweet peas were often given to express thanks or a tender farewell. The flower’s light nature and wide range of colors also connect it to good wishes.
May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
The Lily of the Valley is May’s symbolic flower, denoting sweetness, the return of happiness, and humility. Its small, bell-shaped blossoms and gentle scent are associated with modesty and quiet joy. The flower is sometimes linked to the Virgin Mary, emphasizing its purity and humble nature.
The Hawthorn is the secondary flower, symbolizing hope and happiness, frequently associated with the ancient celebration of Beltane. This small tree’s delicate white or pink blossoms were traditionally linked to magical properties and considered an emblem of protection. Its thorny branches, contrasted with its soft blooms, represent the duality of defense and gentle beauty.
June: Rose and Honeysuckle
June is represented by the Rose, a flower with a universal meaning of love and passion influenced by its color. The classic red rose symbolizes deep romantic love, while pink roses convey admiration and gratitude. Yellow roses traditionally represent friendship and joy.
The secondary flower is the Honeysuckle, which symbolizes the enduring bonds of love and devoted affection due to its clinging, vining nature. Its sweet fragrance and persistent growth represent fidelity and a strong, intertwined connection. In floriography, it was used to express a lasting commitment.
July: Larkspur and Water Lily
The Larkspur, or Delphinium, is July’s birth flower, representing lightness, fun, and strong bonds of affection. The tall, spire-like shape of the larkspur gives arrangements a sense of grace. Its color refines the meaning: purple symbolizes first love, white conveys happiness and purity, and pink suggests lightheartedness.
The Water Lily is the secondary bloom, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and majesty, rooted in ancient traditions. This aquatic flower rises from the depths to bloom flawlessly on the water’s surface, representing the triumph of the spirit and the renewal of life. Its serene appearance also connects it with peace and tranquility.
August: Gladiolus and Poppy
August is symbolized by the Gladiolus, often referred to as the “sword lily” because of its long, pointed leaves. This flower represents strength of character, moral integrity, and infatuation. Its towering stalks make a bold statement, reflecting a determined personality.
The secondary flower is the Poppy, which carries meanings of remembrance, imagination, and peace. The vibrant red poppy is associated with remembrance and sacrifice, particularly related to World War I. White poppies symbolize consolation and peaceful rest, while yellow varieties convey a wish for wealth.
September: Aster and Morning Glory
The Aster is the primary flower for September, symbolizing love, wisdom, faith, and patience. Its name comes from the Greek word for “star,” referencing its shape. Purple asters denote royalty and wisdom, while white ones signify purity and innocence.
The Morning Glory is the secondary bloom, representing affection and the fleeting nature of life because it opens at dawn and closes by the afternoon. This flower is often linked to unrequited love or the acceptance of love that has passed. Its daily cycle provides a metaphor for the ephemeral beauty of moments and the promise of renewal.
October: Marigold and Cosmos
October’s Marigold is a vibrant flower symbolizing warmth, creativity, and passionate devotion, often associated with the sun due to its fiery hues. Marigolds are used in remembrance across cultures, particularly in Mexican traditions for Día de los Muertos, where their scent is believed to guide spirits. Yellow and orange marigolds radiate joy and optimism.
The secondary bloom, the Cosmos, is named from the Greek word kosmos, meaning “ordered world” or “harmony.” This flower is known for its symmetrical petals and airy appearance, symbolizing peace, tranquility, and modesty. Pink cosmos express affection, while white ones convey purity and simplicity.
November: Chrysanthemum and Peony
The Chrysanthemum is the traditional November birth flower, symbolizing joy, longevity, and optimism. In Asian cultures, it holds great reverence, representing nobility and the sun. The color dictates its message: red means passionate love, white signifies purity and honesty, and yellow conveys sorrow.
The Peony, sometimes listed as a secondary flower, represents prosperity, good fortune, and a happy marriage. Its large, lush petals have made it a symbol of honor and wealth. In floriography, the peony is occasionally linked to bashfulness.
December: Narcissus and Holly
December’s primary flower is the Narcissus, often represented by the Paperwhite variety, which symbolizes good wishes, hope, and new beginnings. Although linked to the Greek myth of vanity, the flower is viewed as a cheerful emblem of renewal and optimism. In China, the narcissus is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
The secondary flower, Holly, is an evergreen plant representing protection, eternal life, and happiness. Its ability to remain green and produce bright red berries during the coldest months made it an ancient symbol of resilience and hope during the winter solstice. The sharp leaves and red berries also hold deep symbolic significance in Christian tradition.
Applying and Celebrating with Birth Flowers
Understanding birth flower symbolism offers a way to personalize gifts and celebrations. Gifting a bouquet of the recipient’s birth flower is a thoughtful gesture that conveys a specific message tailored to their birth month. This knowledge is utilized in creating bespoke birthday arrangements and is often seen in wedding decor, where the couple’s birth flowers are combined to symbolize their union.
The tradition of birth flowers complements other symbolic systems, such as birthstones, which link a specific gem to each month. Both traditions provide a connection to personal identity and cultural history. People frequently incorporate their birth flower into jewelry, custom artwork, or tattoo designs, transforming the bloom into a permanent personal emblem. Minor regional variations exist in the assignment of secondary flowers, allowing for modern adaptation of the tradition.