Birth Flowers and Their Meaning
One question can motivate an inquisitive person to jump into action (or I would rather say “adventure”), right?
A year ago, one of my art collectors asked me whether I have ever painted birth flowers. I was surprised and admitted that I knew nothing about the concept of “birth flowers”. Then she explained to me that each month has a flower associated with it. I was so intrigued and marvel by this, that I dove into researching and…well…painting!
Boy, it was so interesting! I learnt that apparently it is quite an ancient tradition to celebrate uniqueness of personal characteristics through a similarity with a certain flower. In addition, in 18-19 centuries those specific flowers’ symbolisms were used in secret communication between people. How beautiful is this?!
So, shall we investigate? I will share here some of my watercolors! Alongside the birth flowers art, you may find products that work great as gifts for those that resonate with that botanical.
January
Snowdrop & Carnation
Red carnation symbolizes love, white- purity, yellow connotes rejection. They are also edible, making them a fun addition to desserts or drinks!
Love and Affection: Carnations symbolize deep love and affection, reflecting strong emotional connections and admiration.
Fascination and Distinction: They represent fascination and a sense of distinction, indicating a unique and captivating presence.
Strength and Resilience: Carnations are also associated with strength and resilience, symbolizing the ability to overcome challenges.
Admiration and Gratitude: The flower conveys feelings of admiration and gratitude, often used to express appreciation and respect.
February
Violet or Iris
Iris has several medical uses, represents loyalty, bravery, wisdom, and faith. They remain strong in the face of harsh winter conditions, appropriate choice for the birth flower of February.
Wisdom and Knowledge: Irises symbolize wisdom and knowledge, reflecting the thoughtful and perceptive nature of those born in February.
Faith and Hope: The iris is associated with faith and hope, suggesting a hopeful and optimistic outlook.
Courage and Strength: The flower represents courage and strength, symbolizing resilience and bravery.
Elegance and Grace: With its striking and elegant appearance, the iris also embodies beauty and grace, reflecting refined and sophisticated qualities.
March
Cherry Blossom or Daffodil
They represent new beginnings, rebirth and joy.
New Beginnings and Renewal: Daffodils symbolize new beginnings and the renewal of life, reflecting the fresh start and optimism that spring brings.
Hope and Rebirth: They represent hope and rebirth, suggesting a bright future and the promise of better times ahead.
Joy and Happiness: The vibrant yellow color of daffodils is associated with joy, cheerfulness, and happiness, bringing a sense of warmth and positivity.
Creativity and Inspiration: Daffodils are also linked to creativity and inspiration, encouraging a spark of imagination and new ideas.
April
Daisies or Sweet Pea
Sweet Peas bloom upon first sunlight, so the name come from the old Anglo-Saxon word meaning “day’s eye.” They symbolize purity and innocence.
Delicate Beauty and Joy: Sweet peas represent delicate beauty and bring a sense of joy and happiness, reflecting the charm and grace of those born in April.
Pleasure and Appreciation: They are associated with pleasure and appreciation, symbolizing the joy found in small, cherished moments and expressing gratitude.
Goodbye and Departure: Sweet peas can also signify goodbye or farewell, often used to convey heartfelt goodbyes and best wishes for future endeavors.
Love and Affection: The flower symbolizes love and affection, representing deep emotional connections and the warmth of caring relationships.
May
Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley
Well-known for its impact on spiritual and physical health. The Mayflower ship was named after hawthorn for its symbolism of hope and love.
Purity and Humility: It symbolizes purity and humility, reflecting a gentle and modest nature.
Happiness and Renewal: The flower represents happiness and the renewal of life, fitting for the springtime month of May.
Sweetness and Joy: Lily of the Valley is associated with sweetness and joy, bringing a sense of cheerfulness and delight.
Return of Happiness: It signifies the return of happiness and good fortune, symbolizing a positive and uplifting presence in one’s life.
June
Honeysuckle, Rose
Red roses represent love, orange roses represent passion, white represents purity, pink symbolizes admiration, and yellow can mean friendship or jealousy. Generally, roses have the meaning of love, devotion, and beauty. They are versatile herbal remedies.
Love and Romance: Roses symbolize deep love and romance, reflecting passionate and affectionate relationships.
Beauty and Elegance: The rose represents beauty and elegance, embodying grace and refined charm.
Admiration and Respect: Roses are associated with admiration and respect, conveying appreciation and honor.
New Beginnings: In some contexts, roses also symbolize new beginnings, suggesting a fresh start and positive change.
July
Waterlily, Luckspur
Larkspur symbolize femininity, purity, grace and positivity, inspires feelings of serenity and peace.
Lightness and Joy: Larkspurs symbolize lightness and joy, reflecting a cheerful and uplifting spirit.
Love and Protection: They represent love and protection, symbolizing a caring and protective nature.
Positivity and Success: The flower is associated with positivity and success, suggesting a bright and prosperous future.
Connection and Bond: Larkspurs can also signify strong connections and bonds, emphasizing the value of close relationships.
August
Poppy
A bright-colored, often red flower that symbolizes pleasure, consolation and success used for its sedative effects and is usually included in relaxation rituals. The poppy also has many historical meanings, often used to honor those fallen in battle.
Imagination and Creativity: Poppies are associated with imagination, making them a symbol of creativity and artistic talent. People born in August are often thought to be imaginative and inventive, with a flair for original ideas.
Rest and Recovery: The poppy's connection to sleep and rest also makes it a symbol of taking time to rejuvenate. August-born individuals might be encouraged to take time for themselves to rest and recover, reflecting the peaceful nature of the poppy.
Luxury and Success: Poppies, especially in their rich, vibrant colors, can symbolize luxury and success. This reflects a sense of achievement and the finer things in life, qualities that August-born individuals may be drawn to.
Remembrance and Reflection: Although more commonly associated with November in some cultures, the poppy’s ties to remembrance can also reflect a thoughtful and reflective nature in those born in August.
Overall, the poppy as a birth flower symbolizes a mix of creativity, rest, luxury, and reflection.
September
Aster
Love and Affection: Asters are often associated with love, symbolizing deep emotional connections and affection. People born in September might be seen as having a loving and caring nature.
Wisdom and Knowledge: The aster is also a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. This connection reflects the idea that those born in September may be thoughtful, intelligent, and wise.
Elegance and Grace: The delicate, star-shaped blooms of the aster convey a sense of elegance and grace. This can be seen as a reflection of the refined and poised qualities often attributed to September-born individuals.
Patience and Faith: Asters are linked to patience and faith, symbolizing endurance and the ability to wait for the right moment. This might suggest that people born in September are steady, reliable, and have a strong sense of hope.
Symbol of a Star: The name "aster" comes from the Greek word for "star," symbolizing light and radiance. This can represent the idea that September-born individuals have a bright and shining personality, bringing light into the lives of those around them.
In summary, as a birth flower, the aster symbolizes love, wisdom, elegance, patience, and a radiant spirit, making it a meaningful and positive representation of those born in September.
October
Marygold
Their meanings vary, including grief and jealousy, love and passion, optimism and prosperity. They can also be used as a fragrant tea with the medicinal benefits of alleviating cramps and aiding digestion.
Passion and Creativity: Marigolds symbolize passion and creativity, reflecting the energetic and imaginative nature of October-born individuals.
Warmth and Positivity: The bright colors of marigolds represent warmth, joy, and positivity, suggesting that those born in October bring light to others.
Protection and Strength: Marigolds are seen as protective flowers, symbolizing the resilience and strength of October-born people.
Remembrance and Honor: Associated with rituals like Día de los Muertos, marigolds represent remembrance and a deep respect for tradition.
Determination and Courage: The marigold’s ability to thrive in tough conditions symbolizes determination and courage, traits often found in those born in October.
In summary, as a birth flower, the marigold symbolizes passion, warmth, protection, remembrance, and determination, making it a powerful and vibrant representation of those born in October.
November
Peony, Chrysanthemum
Peony are fragrant, romantic flowers, they are thought to symbolize friendship, connection, positivity, optimism, joy, and longevity.
Prosperity and Good Fortune:
Peonies symbolize wealth, abundance, and good luck, suggesting a prosperous life for those born in November.Honor and Respect:
The peony is a symbol of dignity and high regard, reflecting the noble qualities often attributed to November-born individuals.Compassion and Healing:
Peonies are linked to compassion and healing, indicating that November-born individuals are empathetic and caring.Beauty and Grace:
With their lush and elegant blooms, peonies represent natural beauty and refined grace.
December
Holly
Represents inspiration, vitality, and faithfulness.
Protection and Strength: Holly represents protection and strength, symbolizing resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
Good Fortune and Happiness: It is also linked to good fortune and happiness, suggesting a positive and prosperous life for those born in December.
Endurance and Constancy: Holly’s evergreen nature symbolizes endurance and constancy, reflecting steadfastness and reliability.
Joy and Festivity: As a plant commonly used in holiday decorations, holly is associated with joy, festivity, and celebration.
Isn’t it interesting how birth flowers can evoke a sense of personal connection and symbolism? It is such a fabulous way to celebrate the birthday of your child, parent, friend, or symbolize a family! There are many ways you can do it! As for me, I recently painted them in a botanical style in watercolor. However, you can do drawing, photos, mixed media, print making, embroidery, sculpture, floral arrangement.
I truly hope you are inspired to approach a birthday in a new creative way, which is ultimately another way to embrace the ART of living with JOY!
