Learn the stories and meanings of birth month flowers

Posted on 22/06/2025

Learn the Stories and Meanings of Birth Month Flowers

Birth month flowers have long captured humanity's imagination. Much like birthstones, each flower associated with a month carries special meaning, symbolism, and often a remarkable story that spans centuries and cultures. Whether you're seeking a thoughtful gift, planning floral decor, or want to connect with your personal history, learning about the stories and meanings behind birth month flowers adds depth and sentiment to any occasion.

What Are Birth Month Flowers?

Not everyone knows that there's a tradition to assign a flower to each month of the year, popularly known as birth month flowers. This floral calendar originated from ancient Roman customs and grew in popularity through the Victorian era. Each month flower is chosen for its seasonal availability, cultural significance, and unique symbolism.

• January: Carnation & Snowdrop
• February: Violet & Primrose
• March: Daffodil
• April: Daisy & Sweet Pea
• May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
• June: Rose & Honeysuckle
• July: Larkspur & Water Lily
• August: Gladiolus & Poppy
• September: Aster & Morning Glory
• October: Marigold & Cosmos
• November: Chrysanthemum
• December: Narcissus & Holly

Let's explore the stories and meanings of birth month flowers in detail, with their symbolism, historical roots, and how you can use them to celebrate yourself or a loved one.

January Birth Flowers: Carnation & Snowdrop

Carnation: The Flower of Admiration

The carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) has been a symbol of love, fascination, and distinction for centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans used carnations in ceremonial crowns, and their scientific name means "flower of the gods."

• Color Meanings: Red for deep love, white for pure affection, and pink for a mother's undying love.
• Story: In Christian legend, carnations bloomed from Mary's tears as Jesus carried the cross, symbolizing a mother's eternal love.

Snowdrop: The Herald of Hope

Appearing in the harshest part of winter, the delicate snowdrop is a sign of hope and renewal. In Victorian floriography, snowdrops symbolized consolation and rebirth.

• Legend: It's said that when Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, an angel turned snowflakes into snowdrops to promise better times ahead.
• Symbolism: Purity and new beginnings.

February: Violet & Primrose

Violet: Symbol of Loyalty and Modesty

Throughout history, violets (Viola) have symbolized faithfulness, modesty, and humility. Ancient Greeks used violets in medicinal and culinary recipes, while Victorians sent violets as signals of love and devotion.

• Story: Napoleon Bonaparte considered the violet his emblem; lovers would give each other violets as tokens of remembrance.

Primrose: First Flower of Spring

With its early blooms, the primrose signifies youth, renewal, and new beginnings. Its name translates to "first rose," though it is not a true rose.

• Symbolism: "I can't live without you" -- a Victorian sentiment expressing desire and devotion.

March: Daffodil - The Flower of New Beginnings

Daffodils (Narcissus) are among the first signs that spring is near. These bright blooms symbolize rebirth, hope, and joy, their trumpet shapes announcing the coming of warmth and light.

• Legend: In Greek mythology, Narcissus, a youth of extraordinary beauty, fell in love with his own reflection and transformed into a daffodil.
• Gift Meaning: Gifting a bunch of daffodils is said to ensure happiness.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

Daisy: Innocence and Purity

The daisy has enchanted people since the days of Norse mythology, where it was sacred to Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Daisies represent innocence, loyalty, and cheerfulness.

• Victorian Message: Daisies sent the message "I'll never tell," indicating secrecy and innocence.

Sweet Pea: Delicate Goodbye

Sweet peas are prized for their fragrance and delicacy. In Victorian times, they represented blissful pleasure and were often given as a thank you or a fond farewell.

• Symbolism: Saying goodbye, gratitude, and departure after a pleasant time.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley: Return of Happiness

May's primary birth flower is the lily of the valley, whose bell-like blossoms are seen as a sign of humility, sweetness, and renewed happiness. These flowers often star in bridal bouquets, symbolizing marital happiness.

• Folklore: Legend has it these flowers grew from Eve's tears after being banished from Eden.
• French Tradition: On May 1, people in France gift sprigs of lily of the valley--muguet--as tokens of good luck.

Hawthorn: Hope and Supreme Happiness

Blooming in May, hawthorn flowers have been worshipped for centuries, especially by Celts and Druids who considered the tree magical and a symbol of protection.

• Symbolism: Love, longevity, and hope.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

Rose: The Flower of Love

Perhaps the world's most famous flower, the rose encapsulates love, beauty, and passion. Each color brings a distinct message:

• Red Rose: Romantic love
• Pink Rose: Gratitude, joy
• White Rose: Purity, new beginnings, remembrance
• Yellow Rose: Friendship, cheer

Stories about roses abound from Greek myths (Aphrodite) to Roman lore (Venus) and Shakespearean drama, where roses symbolize all-consuming passion and heartbreak. This makes the rose a powerful flower for birthdays in June.

Honeysuckle: Bonds of Devotion

With its sweet scent and twining vines, honeysuckle symbolizes happiness, devoted love, and the bonds of affection that grow over time.

• Meaning: Sweetness of life and enduring love

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

Larkspur: Open Heart & Positivity

The varied colors and structure of larkspur flowers (also known as delphinium) have long been symbols of lightness, positivity, and an open heart.

• Color Guide:
  • Pink for fickleness
  • White for happiness
  • Purple for first love

Water Lily: Enlightenment and Rebirth

The mystical water lily thrives in the depths of still, dark ponds, symbolizing purity, spiritual rebirth, and enlightenment. In many Eastern cultures, they are associated with transcendence and peace.

• Legend: In Egyptian mythology, water lilies (lotus) were said to represent the sun's rebirth every morning.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

Gladiolus: Strength and Remembrance

The sword-shaped leaves of gladiolus inspired its name, derived from "gladius" (Latin for sword). This bloom symbolizes strength of character, integrity, and remembrance.

• Meaning: Moral character and infatuation ("You pierce my heart").

Poppy: Peace and Imagination

Poppies, especially the iconic red variety, capture hearts for their beauty and association with peace, remembrance, and imagination. In many cultures, poppies are a symbol of rest and consolation.

• Story: After World War I, red poppies grew on battlefields, inspiring the famous remembrance poem, In Flanders Fields.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

Aster: Symbol of Wisdom and Love

Asters are named after the Greek word for "star" and have been associated with wisdom, valor, and faith. Ancient Greeks believed burning asters drove away serpents and evil spirits.

• Meaning: Patience, elegance, and love.

Morning Glory: Unrequited Love

Morning glory blooms early, with petals opening at sunrise and closing by afternoon. This unique quality has linked the flower to love, mortality, and fleeting beauty.

• Legend: In Chinese folklore, two lovers could only meet once a year, symbolized by the brief life of the morning glory flower.

October: Marigold & Cosmos

Marigold: Warmth and Resilience

Marigolds are vivid, hardy, and associated with warmth, creativity, and sacred rituals. In Mexico, they are called "flowers of the dead," used in the Day of the Dead celebrations to honor the deceased.

• Symbolism: Despair, grief, or alternatively, cheer and protection.

Cosmos: Order and Harmony

The balanced, symmetrical petals of cosmos flowers give their meaning: order, peace, and modesty. These bright, frilly blossoms encourage living life with a sense of balance and openness.

• Meaning: Peace, tranquility, and harmony.

November: Chrysanthemum - The Flower of Friendship

Chrysanthemums are renowned for their resilience and vibrant beauty. In Asia, they are symbols of long life, happiness, and joy, while in Europe, they often represent honor, sympathy, and remembrance.

• Story: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is the crest of the emperor; the "Festival of Happiness" is celebrated in its honor.
• Color Meanings: Red for love, yellow for neglected love or sorrow, white for loyalty and devoted love.

December: Narcissus & Holly

Narcissus: Hope and Prosperity

Not to be confused with the daffodil, the winter-blooming narcissus symbolizes good fortune, respect, and hope. The flower is especially valued during New Year celebrations in China and the Middle East, heralding progress and renewal.

• Legend: In Greek mythology, as mentioned with March, the narcissistic youth was transformed into this flower.

Holly: Protection and Festivity

The sharp leaves and red berries of holly represent defense, domestic happiness, and festive celebration. Holly has been used in winter festivals since ancient times, symbolizing life amid darkness.

• Symbolism: Holly was considered protective against evil and a sign of goodwill in Celtic cultures.

Celebrating Life with Birth Month Flowers

Learning the stories and meanings of birth month flowers gives new life to floral gifts, making them more personal, memorable, and heartfelt. Whether you're surprising someone with a bouquet or planting a birth month garden, knowing the rich background of each bloom adds depth and character to your gestures.

Unique Ideas to Honor Birth Month Flowers

• Bouquets: Create personalized arrangements with the recipient's birth flower.
• Jewelry: Birth flower pendants and rings are unique alternatives to birthstones.
• Tattoos: Many choose their birth flower as inspiration for meaningful tattoos.
• Gardens: Design a perennial border that incorporates all twelve birth flowers for a living tribute to family members.

Conclusion: The Language of Blooms

Birth month flowers have enchanted cultures for millennia with their beauty, fragrance, and hidden meanings. By learning their stories, you connect not just with nature's cycles, but with centuries of human tradition, storytelling, and symbolism.

Next time you give flowers, remember: you're not just offering a bloom, but a story as old as time and as unique as the recipient.