The tradition of assigning a specific bloom to each month, rooted in Victorian floriography, provides a unique floral language for celebrating birthdays. This system allows a bouquet to convey a message by linking the bloom’s character to the month it represents. September is represented by two primary flowers: the Aster and the Morning Glory. Both flourish as the season transitions from summer toward autumn, offering distinct yet complementary meanings for those born in the ninth month.
The Aster: Symbol of Love and Patience
The Aster is widely considered the main birth flower for September, fittingly named from the ancient Greek word for “star,” astron, due to its characteristic star-like shape. This flower belongs to the Asteraceae family, making it a relative of the common daisy, with numerous long, slender petals radiating outward. Asters offer a vibrant burst of color late in the season, often blooming profusely when many other summer flowers have begun to fade. This late-season resilience contributes to its symbolism of patience and deep, enduring love.
The historical significance of the Aster is tied to mythology, where it was believed to have sprung from the tears of the goddess Astraea. This origin story imbues the flower with a meaning of purity, wisdom, and faith. Its symbolism extends to powerful love, particularly the kind that is long-lasting and loyal, reflecting the perennial nature of the plant itself. Asters are commonly found in rich colors like purple, pink, white, and blue, with purple Asters often specifically representing wisdom and royalty.
The Morning Glory: Symbol of Deep Affection
The second flower representing September is the Morning Glory, which carries a powerful, transient symbolism. These flowers are distinctive for their wide, trumpet-shaped blossoms that grow on fast-climbing, twining vines. The common Morning Glory (Ipomoea) has a unique biological trait: the flowers open at sunrise and typically wither by midday. This short, daily lifespan defines its meaning in the language of flowers.
This fleeting beauty symbolizes the transient nature of life and the beauty of cherished moments. Its meaning centers on deep affection, sometimes representing unrequited or mortal love in Victorian floriography. The flower’s vibrant, brief display is a reminder to appreciate the present moment and the intense depth of feeling that can exist within a limited time. Unlike the Aster’s enduring presence, the Morning Glory expresses a more fervent, instantaneous devotion.
Practical Use and Associated Colors
When selecting flowers for a September birthday, the traditional color palette leans toward the rich, deep hues of late summer and early autumn. The most prominent colors include deep purples, vibrant blues, soft pinks, and pure whites, all found in Asters and Morning Glories. These colors enhance the overall message, with purple suggesting honor and blue signifying trust and devotion. The choice between the two blooms depends on the specific sentiment the giver wishes to convey.
A bouquet predominantly featuring Asters is chosen to express long-term loyalty, patience, and steady love. Conversely, the Morning Glory is the more appropriate choice if the focus is on a profound or passionate connection. However, the Morning Glory’s short vase life often limits its use to garden displays or symbolic representations. Both flowers offer a meaningful way to celebrate a September birthday.