Your birth flower isn’t just a pretty decoration—it’s got history, symbolism, and even a little bit of fate wrapped up in its petals. These blooms have been linked to birth months for centuries, tied to mythology, seasons, and old-school traditions. So, whether you’re a radiant sunflower (hello, August!) or a charming daisy (shoutout to April babies), your birth flower has a deeper meaning than you might think. It’s time to explore the roots of these special blooms with the experts at The FlowerLoft, the best florist in Lima!
January: Carnation, Snowdrop
Carnations, Mediterranean natives, were a treasured part of Greek and Roman ceremonies. Some believe this played a role in their genus name, Dianthus, which translates to “flower of the gods.” Snowdrops, winter’s first bloom, were admired in folklore for pushing through the frost. One Christian tale says an angel transformed snowflakes into snowdrops as a gift and sign of hope for Adam and Eve.
February: Violet, Iris
Violets stand as a symbol of love and fertility! Their heart-shaped blooms were a top ingredient of Ancient Greek love potions and their romantic meaning lived on well into Victorian times. Irises, named after the goddess of the rainbow, were believed to connect gods and mortals in Greek and Egyptian culture. No surprise they became a favorite of Van Gogh!
March: Daffodil, Jonquil
Daffodils get their name from Narcissus, son of the river god Cephissus, and the Greek figure so enchanted by his own reflection that he wasted away. These golden blooms blossomed in his place. Welsh folklore sees daffodils more kindly—if you’re the first to spot one in spring, prosperity is coming your way! Jonquils, their fragrant cousins, carry a gentler meaning, symbolizing romance.
April: Daisy, Sweet Pea
Daisies have been symbols of love and fertility since ancient times, tied to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. Some even believe they are among the world’s oldest flowers, appearing in prehistoric stone carvings. Sweet peas, brought to Europe by a Sicilian monk in the 17th century, became known for their delicate fragrance and romantic appeal. In France, they were gifted to brides as a token of good fortune in marriage, securing their place in floral history.
May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn
Lily of the Valley has been seen as both divine and sorrowful—Apollo supposedly laid them down for nymphs to walk on, while Christian legend says they bloomed from Mary’s tears as she wept for her son or Eve’s tears as she was banished from the garden. Hawthorn, a staple of Celtic traditions, was central to Beltane celebrations, symbolizing renewal and protection. Many believed its protective powers were linked to fairies.
June: Rose, Honeysuckle
Cultivated in China for thousands of years, roses have been love’s greatest symbol for millennia—Cleopatra herself used them to enchant Mark Antony. Honeysuckle, sweet in both scent and meaning, got its name from the Middle English honeysouke. Druids saw it as a flower of happiness, while European traditions believed it brought luck and protection to homes where it grew.
July: Larkspur, Water Lily
Delphiniums, also called larkspur, owe their name to the Greek word for dolphin, as their blooms resemble a dolphin’s nose. Some legends claim they sprang from a slain dragon’s blue blood, while others link them to the epic Battle of Troy. Water lilies, meanwhile, have been sacred for centuries—honored by the Egyptians as symbols of the sun god Ra, they were also tied to water nymphs in Greek mythology. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus, a close relative, represents spiritual enlightenment.
August: Gladiolus, Poppy
Gladiolus, the fierce sword lily, was a staple of Roman battles. Gladiators wore them into the arena and victorious warriors were honored with them. Poppies, once thought to symbolize sleep and rebirth in ancient mythology, have since become one of the world’s most recognized symbols of remembrance for fallen soldiers. August’s birth flowers both tell a story of strength and tribute.
September: Aster, Morning Glory
Asters are basically the celestial icons of the flower world—their name literally means “star” in Greek. Morning glories, on the other hand, have roots in Japanese mythology. It is believed that morning glories grew where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was buried, representing her beauty, devotion, and love that never dies.
October: Marigold, Cosmo
From Dia De Los Muertos to Diwali, marigolds are woven into cultural celebrations across the world, symbolizing remembrance, love, and prosperity. Their vibrant hues and strong scent are believed to connect us to spirits and blessings alike. Cosmos, named after the Greek word kosmos, meaning world, order, and harmonious arrangement, bloom with perfect symmetry. They represent harmony in both nature and life and their effortless elegance is a reminder that beauty exists in balance.
November: Chrysanthemums, Peony
Nicknamed The Queen of Fall Flowers, chrysanthemums shine with their name meaning golden (chryos) flower (anthemon) in Greek. Peonies, however, have a history rooted in divine intervention—Aphrodite transformed a nymph named Paeonia into one out of jealousy, while Zeus turned a healer named Paeon into a peony to protect him from a spiteful teacher.
December: Holly, Narcissus
Holly has long been associated with protection and eternal life, playing a major role in both Druid rituals and Christmas traditions. Its evergreen nature symbolizes resilience and renewal. Narcissus, however, tells a different tale—after staring too long at his own reflection, the young man Narcissus faded away, leaving only golden flowers in his place (this story should sound familiar). Today, Narcissus is symbolic of new beginnings.
You know the meaning behind the blooms—now bring that symbolism to life with a gorgeous bouquet! Find the perfect birthday flowers at The FlowerLoft, where every petal is packed with purpose, history, and love.
