Find out the traditional meanings of birth month flowers

Posted on 23/06/2025

When it comes to celebrating a birthday, the most common gifts are often cards, cakes, and, of course, flowers. Did you know that each month of the year is represented by one or more unique birth month flowers? These blossoms aren't just beautiful--they carry with them rich stories and meaningful symbolism rooted in history. If you're looking to give a gift with deeper significance, or simply love the language of flowers, discover the traditional meanings of birth month flowers and their fascinating connections to the people born during each time of year.

What are Birth Month Flowers?

The concept of birth flowers is similar to that of birthstones: just as each month is represented by a gemstone, every month has one or two flowers traditionally associated with it. These birth month blossoms convey special messages, sentiments, and even fortunes for those born in their respective months. Finding out the meaning behind birth month flowers can help you select the perfect bouquet, understand more about traditions, or simply delight in newfound knowledge.

Why Learn About the Symbolism of Birth Month Flowers?

From Victorian floriography (the language of flowers) to ancient myths and folklore, the meaning of birth month flowers provides a peek into cultures of the past. Knowing what each month's flower represents adds a thoughtful layer to your gifting, crafts, or even how you tend your own garden. Whether you want to express admiration, love, hope, or even forgiveness, choosing the appropriate birth flower can help you say what words cannot.

• Make your birthday wishes more personal and meaningful
• Add symbolic beauty to flower arrangements and gardens
• Delight in centuries-old lore and charming myths

The Traditional Meanings of Birth Month Flowers

Let's embark on a month-by-month exploration, and find out the traditional meanings of birth month flowers. Each entry includes the primary flower (and, where applicable, a secondary flower), its symbolism, and a brief historical or cultural background.

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

• Carnation: The classic January birth flower is the carnation. Available in many vibrant colors, carnations symbolize love, fascination, and distinction. Red carnations are traditionally linked to deep love, while white carnations signify pure love and good luck. In ancient Rome, carnations adorned celebratory garlands to honor new beginnings.
• Snowdrop: Pushing through winter's frost, the delicate snowdrop symbolizes hope and rebirth. It's often considered a harbinger of brighter days and thus makes an optimistic emblem for those born in January.

February: Violet & Primrose

• Violet: This February birth flower is associated with modesty, faithfulness, and spiritual wisdom. In Victorian times, giving violets expressed that your thoughts were occupied by the recipient.
• Primrose: As one of the season's first blooms, primroses mean young love and new beginnings.

March: Daffodil

• Daffodil: The cheerful, yellow daffodil bursts forth as the main March birth flower. It represents rebirth, new beginnings, and prosperity. According to tradition, giving a single daffodil can foretell misfortune, but a bouquet is believed to bring joy and happiness.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

• Daisy: The simplicity and innocence of daisies have made them a symbol of purity, loyal love, and true friendship for centuries. Children in ancient times wove daisies into crowns and bracelets, hoping to invite such virtues.
• Sweet Pea: Signifying blissful pleasure and gratitude, sweet peas are perfect for expressing heartfelt thanks or bidding a fond farewell.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

• Lily of the Valley: This delicate and fragrant May birth flower is a classic symbol of sweetness, humility, and "the return of happiness". Legend has it that lily of the valley blossoms were born from the tears of the Virgin Mary.
• Hawthorn: With its bright blooms, hawthorn represents hope, happiness, and protection. Its branches are traditionally tied over doorways to offer good fortune.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

• Rose: Universally celebrated as a symbol of love and passion, the rose is the June birth flower. Each color of rose imparts a slightly different meaning--red for deep love, pink for admiration, yellow for joy and friendship, and white for purity.
• Honeysuckle: Associated with bonds of love and devoted affection, honeysuckle vines are cherished for both their scent and their sentiment.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

• Larkspur: This tall, elegant flower stands for positivity, dignity, and lightness of heart. Different larkspur hues carry unique symbolism: pink for fickle love, white for happiness, and purple for first love.
• Water Lily: Floating serenely on the water's surface, water lilies signify purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. In many Eastern traditions, they're associated with the cycle of life.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

• Gladiolus: As the main August birth flower, gladiolus is known for its strength of character, integrity, and moral courage. In ancient Rome, gladiolus was considered the flower of gladiators, symbolizing victory and honor.
• Poppy: Linked with imagination, remembrance, and peace. In particular, red poppies are used as symbols of remembrance for soldiers who have died in wartime.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

• Aster: These star-shaped September blooms represent love, wisdom, and faith. The name comes from the Greek word for "star," alluding to their radiant shape.
• Morning Glory: As they unfurl at sunrise, morning glories stand for affection and the fleeting nature of life--a beautiful reminder to cherish the present.

October: Marigold & Cosmos

• Marigold: This vibrant October birth flower is tied to creativity, passion, and warmth. In many cultures, marigolds are used to honor the dead and celebrate life at festivals like Dia de los Muertos.
• Cosmos: Cosmos flowers are associated with order, peace, and harmony.

November: Chrysanthemum

• Chrysanthemum: Known as the classic November birth flower, the "mum" is a symbol of cheerfulness, longevity, and joy. In Japan, chrysanthemums are a symbol of the imperial family and perfection.

December: Narcissus & Holly

• Narcissus: With its bright, winter-defying blooms, the narcissus (especially paperwhite) is associated with hope, new beginnings, and purity.
• Holly: Prized for its vivid green leaves and red berries, holly represents protection and domestic happiness. It's commonly used during winter celebrations to offer good wishes.

How to Choose Birth Month Flowers for Gifting

Personalizing a gift using birth flowers is a thoughtful way to celebrate a loved one's birthday. Here are some tips for choosing the right traditional birth month flower arrangement:

• Check the Month: Select flowers that correspond to the recipient's birth month for a meaningful touch.
• Consider Color Symbolism: Within each flower type, different hues carry additional meanings. Tailor your bouquet to the sentiment you wish to convey.
• Personal Preferences: Some people may have favorites or allergies--be sure to check before selecting a flower variety.
• Add a Personalized Note: Explain the meaning of the flower in the card for an extra-special gesture.

A Brief History of Flower Symbolism

The practice of ascribing symbolic meanings to flowers dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The idea was formalized during the Victorian Era, when "floriography" became a way for individuals to send secret messages using bouquets. Each blossom, from the common rose to the humble daisy, had a different meaning. This covert method of communication allowed for expressions of love, admiration, regret, or even disdain.

Today, the tradition of giving birth flowers has endured, with families and friends sending meaningful bouquets year after year. While influences and interpretations may vary from culture to culture, the core sentiment remains: flowers have the power to speak volumes.

Modern Uses and Growing Your Own Birth Month Flowers

In contemporary times, discovering the traditional meanings of birth month flowers can inspire:

• Unique Gifts: Whether in bouquets, jewelry, or artwork, birth flowers make exceptional, personal presents--perfect for milestone birthdays or anniversaries.
• Garden Design: Incorporate your family's birth flowers into your landscape for a yard filled with blooms that mean something special.
• Crafts and Keepsakes: Dried or pressed birth flowers can be used in scrapbooking, artwork, or even homemade candles and soaps.

Many birth flowers are easy to cultivate in home gardens. Marigolds, daisies, poppies, and roses are particularly beginner-friendly. Some, like lily of the valley or holly, require specific conditions but reward gardeners with stunning, meaningful displays year after year.

Interesting Facts about Birth Month Flowers

• Double Blooms: Some months, like May and December, have more than one official birth flower.
• Global Variations: Different cultures may assign varying flowers to the same months. For example, the Japanese "hanakotoba" language of flowers sometimes ascribes alternative meanings or flowers to each season.
• Mythology and Legends: Many birth flowers are steeped in myth. The narcissus, for example, is named for the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.

Conclusion: Celebrate with Birth Month Flower Meanings

From the hopeful snowdrops of January to the festive holly of December, discovering the traditional meanings of birth month flowers adds depth, history, and sentiment to every celebration. These blossoms not only brighten up a room but also express love, friendship, gratitude, and hope in a language all their own.

Next time you wish someone a happy birthday--or just want to convey a heartfelt message--consider the secret symbolism hidden within their special birth flower. By embracing this timeless tradition, you'll give a gift that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Month Flowers

1. What if someone's favorite flower isn't their birth flower?

It's always thoughtful to incorporate a person's favorites. Try blending their birth month flower with their favorite blooms for a unique, personalized arrangement.

2. Do birth flower meanings vary in different cultures?

Yes! While the most common list is based on Western traditions, many cultures around the world assign unique meanings and flowers to each month.

3. Can I plant my own birth month flower at home?

Absolutely--many birth flowers thrive in home gardens, including marigolds, daffodils, roses, and chrysanthemums.