Illustration by Lee Enn (@zenigiri) & Kayley (@deanchora)

When we talk about the symbol that represents you, what comes to your mind? Zodiac Signs? Lunar New Year Animals? 
Do you know that flowers can represent us? This is what birth flowers are. 
In this article, we are going to dive into the world of birth flowers.

Have you heard about birth flowers? Well, I bet you haven’t. Birth flowers symbolise each month of the year and are frequently connected to traits or attributes specific to the person who was born that month, similar to birthstones, zodiac signs, and Lunar New Year animals. The custom of matching particular flowers to a person's birth month originated in ancient Rome when people thought flowers had special properties and offered protection or good fortune in the month they flowered. From a scientific perspective, each birth flower blooms during or around its respective month, while from a mythical perspective, each bloom matches its month's temperament and attributes. 


Why are there two birth flowers for each month? 
As the custom developed, flowers came to represent various cultural interpretations and meanings. These cultural distinctions and fluctuations in the quantity of flowers in the area can be used to explain the occurrence of both primary and secondary birth flowers. With two birth flowers every month, there is more freedom to select a flower that best suits a person's tastes, personality, or cultural upbringing. 

The following list of each month's principal and secondary birth flowers is accompanied by a succinct description of their symbolic meanings:


January: Carnation and Snowdrop
Carnation,, are perennial plants commonly grown for their cut flowers. Known as the "flower of the gods," the carnation has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the Greek and Roman eras. In Europe, it was used to cure fevers and was included in decorations, artwork, and garlands. 

Carnations were originally mostly pale pink and peach in hue, but over time, more and more colours have become available, such as red, yellow, white, and so on. Similar to roses, different coloured carnations have distinct symbolic connotations. Pink carnations represent gratitude, thanks, and undying love. Red carnations represent deep love, affection, passion, and admiration. White carnations symbolise purity, innocence, loyalty, and good luck. Purple carnations symbolise capriciousness and unpredictability, often associated with free spirits and success. 

The snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a tiny, bulbous perennial herbaceous plant. It is among the first flowers to appear in late winter and is native to Europe and the Middle East. It frequently blooms while there is still snow on the ground.

Snowdrops are utilised to convey joy and sympathy at the same time. It is said to bring hope and optimism in pleasant times, but it represents compassion after a death or other calamity. The colour of the snowdrop also connotes innocence. 


February: Violet and Primrose
In the spring, the violet is among the first plants to blossom. 500–600 species of this genus of plants in the Violaceae family are found in temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Violets are distinguished by their rounded or heart-shaped leaves and five-petaled flowers that can be any combination of purple, blue, yellow, white, or any other colour. 

The violet represents modesty, loyalty, love, purity, and remembrance. However, every colour has a distinct connotation; for example, yellow stands for great value, white for purity, purple for honesty, and blue for loyalty.

Primroses are colourful, low-growing, mounded perennial plants that can reach three feet. They are indigenous to temperate and subtropical regions of the world and are members of the genus Primula. 

Primroses have several meanings and symbolism. The ancient Celts considered them symbols of women, a means of protection from evil spirits, and a doorway to the world of fairies. Besides that, they were associated with the goddess Freya in Norse mythology and with youthful love in Victorian culture. It was once thought that rubbing primrose on cow udders would boost milk output and deter butter theft.


March: Daffodil and Jonquil
Native to northern Europe, daffodils have six petals and a trumpet- or bell-shaped crown. They can be yellow, white, or a mix of the two. They belong to the Narcissus genus and have thousands of recognized cultivars, which includes jonquils. They signify spring, low care, and easy to grow.

It is believed that the Greek River god Narcissus inspired the daffodil's name, representing rebirth and new beginnings. They are customarily offered in bunches for good luck and are connected to Easter. In Wales, the first daffodil of the season is said to bring fortune, but it is said to bring wealth for the entire year in China. They were seen as a symbol of hope in France and an aphrodisiac and baldness remedy in the Middle East.

A close relative of the daffodil, the jonquil is a bulbous perennial plant native to Europe. Its slender, green to blue-green leaves yield many fragrant flowers in late winter or early spring.

Jonquil symbolises companionship, household pleasure, sadness, and longing. It is the birth flower of March celebrants, denoting contentment at home and companionship. The two primary hues of the flower, white and yellow, represent purity of youth, kindness, comprehension, faith, and brightness. 


April: Daisy and Sweet Pea
Daisy, whose name comes from Old English, represents love because of its perfect balance between two blossoms and its day's eye. Depending on the species, different blooming times apply.

The daisy, a symbol of innocence, purity, and love, has been associated with various cultures and myths. In Celtic legends, daisies were used to cheer up parents after a child's death. In Norse mythology, the daisy symbolises motherhood and new beginnings. They are often associated with the Virgin Mary for their love and innocence.

Sweet pea is closely related to everlasting pea and is a native of Italy and the Mediterranean region. It is a popular garden plant because of its fragrance, lovely blossoms, low maintenance requirements, and ease of growing. Although it is beautiful and has a pleasant scent, it is poisonous to both people and animals. 

Sweet peas represent joy, well wishes, generosity, and camaraderie. The English term "Queen of the Annuals" describes them frequently. They are worn for strength and are thought to have magical abilities. In France, they are a customary present for newlyweds.


May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
The lily-of-the-valley is also known as Our Lady's Tears, May lily, and May bells. Originating in Eurasia, this plant has naturally spread to North America and is now used in residential gardens due to its elegant flowers and straightforward leaves. It bears fragrant, strong-scented white flowers that are pendulous and bell-shaped. It can also produce pink or purple blossoms too.  

Since the 1500s, the lily-of-the-valley has been associated with good fortune. It is mentioned in the Bible and is also connected to Christ's second coming. The flower is often used in bridal bouquets, and newlyweds in the Netherlands plant it as a lucky charm. Moreover, it is thought to have blossomed when the nightingale returned and represents motherhood, tenderness, purity, and humility. 

Hawthorn is a tiny, thick tree or shrub that grows in Europe, Asia, North America, and China. Its strong wood and jagged thorns are indicated by the genus name, derived from the Greek words kratos and akis. 

Hawthorns represent fertility, fairies, and hope. Both Greeks and Celts believed their branches could mend broken hearts. Serbian tradition said stakes could kill vampires, and ancient Greeks utilised their branches for bridal processions. 


June: Rose and Honeysuckle
More than 100 species of perennial blooming shrubs, mostly native to Asia but also found in North America, Europe, and Northwest Africa, make up the rose family. Roses are prized for their exquisite blossoms in various colours and scents. They often have double blooms, five petals, pinnately compound leaves, and erect, ascending, or trailing growth patterns. 

For a long time, the rose has represented beauty, love, and affection. The symbolism of a rose varies depending on its hue where white indicates innocence and purity, Orange denotes desire and excitement, yellow, however, some mythology holds that it implies envy, but some signifies cheer and happiness. A red rose signifies romance and says, "I love you." 

Honeysuckles are native to the Northern Hemisphere and produce fragrant, four-petalled blossoms in tubular colours in the spring. Derived from the Middle English term honeysouke, the honeysuckle represents joy, fondness, the past, and respect for cherished ones. Legend has it that it is typically planted near homes to honour the deceased and to bring good energy and protection from negativity.


July: Larkspur and Water Lily
The larkspur is a native of Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It belongs to the buttercup family. It is a native of gardens worldwide and grows wild in the US and Europe. 

For a very long time, the larkspur has represented optimism, affection, commitment, and genuineness. It can also be used to characterise freshness and lightheartedness. Every hue of larkspur has its own symbolic meaning. In the world of flowers, blue is hard to find and signifies dignity and grace; pink is a sign of fickleness; white is a sign of happiness and joy; and purple is a sign of first love.

Water lilies are distinguished by their exquisite blossoms that float on lakes and ponds. They are widely grown for decorative purposes and are significant for aquatic environments. 

Water lilies come in various hues and forms and signify innocence, chastity, and purity. As they rise from the water, they represent enlightenment, resurrection, and reincarnation in Buddhism and Hinduism.


August: Gladiolus and Poppy
A native of southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Africa, the gladiolus is a member of the iris family. Known as "sword lily," it comes in more than 300 kinds and vivid hues. They provide huge, one-sided spikes with bisexual flowers and sword-shaped leaves. 

Gladiolus has been linked to moral character, memory, and intelligence. It is a flower that symbolises strength, victory, healing, and honour. Red, pink, white, yellow, and purple each represent romance, love, devotion, and infatuation. It also represents passion and love and is traditionally presented as a gift for the 40th anniversary.

Poppies are found growing in temperate regions all over the world. They grow on long, hairy stalks and are recognized for their delicate flowers, which have four to six petals. 

Greek and Roman mythology, as well as the mythology of ancient Greece, have all used poppies, which are emblems of rest, tranquillity, death, and resurrection. They were connected to the god of sleep, Hypnos, and the goddess of agriculture, Demeter. It's said that poppies can aid in remembering cherished ones.


September: Aster and Morning Glory
Asters are a member of the Daisy family and offer a striking splash of colour in the fall. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, asters—which means "star" in Greek—were considered holy flowers. They are said to have come from the goddess Astraea's tears and represent purity, love, friendship, faith, wisdom, and patience. Purple asters symbolise knowledge, white of innocence, scarlet of dedication, and pink of love and kindness. 

Morning glories have been associated with love that was never given back and enduring affection. Every colour has a distinct meaning: pink signifies gratitude and vitality; red denotes passion and strength; blue stands for enduring love, desire, and power; purple signifies grace, wealth, and hopefulness; and white, like many other flowers, indicates innocence and purity. 


October: Marigold and Cosmos
Marigolds are renowned for their vivid and colourful blossoms. They are popular in gardens and landscapes and are commonly planted for their ornamental appeal.

Commonly known as "Mary's gold," marigolds have been linked to numerous civilizations due to their vivid orange and yellow hues, which were formerly believed to be toxic. They have been used for companionship, to help loved ones transition to the afterlife, and to encourage wealth, success, optimism, and love in various civilizations. 

Native to Mexico and Central America, Cosmos flowers are easy-to-grow annuals with colourful, daisy-like blossoms. They love full sun and well-drained soil, and because of their hardiness and long flowering season, they are popular in gardens in North Carolina. Because of their lengthy vase life and eye-catching look, cosmos flowers are often used in cut flower bouquets. 

The Greek word kosmos, from which the term "cosmos" is derived, stands for balance, harmony, order, peace, love, joy, and purity. Their many colours stand for friendship, loyalty, love, and passion. 


November: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are colourful, diversified flowering plants of various sizes and shapes. Their blooms are white, pink, or yellow and can reach a height of 2-4 feet. They work well in conventional arrangements and are popular for floral arrangements and weddings.

Chrysanthemums are thought to stand for love, purity, and honesty. They are also a symbol of joy, friendship, and devotion. Their petals are thought to extend longevity, and Chinese and Japanese people see them as symbols of youth, longevity, and the prevention of grey hair.

While the 11 other months have two birth flowers, November has only one (although there are some claims it has two birth flowers). It’s unsure why this situation will happen, but there’s a few people who think Chrysanthemums are special and lovely, and so it was enough for November all on its own. 


December: Paperwhite and Holly
Similar to daffodils, paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) are a kind of narcissus. However, in most of the United States, paperwhites are delicate bulbs that are not resistant to winter. For this reason, during the deepest days of winter, they are frequently "forced" indoors as festive plants.  

The paperwhite's name originates from its paper-thin petals, which are characterised as delicate. Receiving a narcissus as a gift consigned one to being "the only one" in Victorian times. A white bouquet is a simple and unwavering way to show someone you love them.

Native to North America, hollies yield red berries in cold weather, giving birds and other creatures shelter and food during the winter. Their shiny green leaves feature serrated edges or fangs that jut out. 

For millennia, the wild plant holly has been connected to light, rebirth, and protection against evil. Ancient Celts took it into their homes during the winter solstice, and Romans did the same during Saturnalia. These days, mantelpieces, bannisters, and doors are all decorated with them.

In conclusion, birth flowers represent each month of the year. They are a wonderful way to commemorate special occasions like birthdays, marriages, and funerals. If you are having trouble choosing a present, a straightforward bunch of flowers from the birth month makes it seem more thoughtful. At the end of the article, I hope all readers will bloom as beautifully as their birth flowers.