Birth Flowers
JANUARY – Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Carnation is known as “flower of love” or “flower of the gods”. This flower has been known for centuries and is one of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers. In 20th century, carnation is known as the Mother’s Day flower. Carnation as a flower means fascination, distinction and love. Light red carnation conveys admiration whereas dark red carnation is often used by lovers to show deeper feelings of love and affection. In addition, white carnation symbolizes purity and luck, and pink carnation for gratitude.
FEBRUARY – Iris (Iris germanica)
Iris comes in a rainbow of colors with blue, yellow and white as the most popular varieties. Iris flower is associated with faith, hope, and wisdom. Blue colored iris means royalty, whereas the yellow iris symbolizes passion. On the other hand, this flower also shows courage and admiration.
MARCH – Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.)
Daffodil is known as “The Herald of spring”. This is also the flower “That come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty.” Daffodil is a symbol of hope, rebirth, unrequited love, respect and chivalry.
APRIL – Daisy
Daisy came from the Latin word bellus, which literally means beautiful. This flower became as one of the favorite subjects of many verses and the most popular one is “s/he loves me, s/he loves me not; s/he loves me, s/he loves me not”. This verse resulted for a daisy to be called as the ‘love’s oracle.’
MAY – Lily (Nymphaea sp.)
Lily was dedicated to the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus. This flower symbolizes chastity and virtue. Tiger lily specifically represents wealth and pride.
JUNE – Rose (Rosa sp.)
Roses have several meanings since the old time. Generally a rose haws been a symbol of love, beauty, war and politics. During the 17th century roses were of high demand and the royalty considered roses as the legal tender.
JULY – Larkspur (Delphinium sp)
Larkspur came from the Greek word delphis which means “dolphin”. This has been used by Native Americans and European settlers to make blue dye and the ancients use this flower to drive scorpions away. Larkspur symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment and convey a feeling of lightness and levity.
AUGUST – Gladiola (Gladiolus sp)
Gladiola came from the Latin word “gladius,” meaning sword. This flower symbolizes strengt, moral integrity represents infatuation. When given as a bouquet it conveys to a recipient that they pierce the giver’s heart with passion. Gladiola is also known as the 40th wedding anniversary flower.
SEPTEMBER – Aster
Aster has been considered as an enchanted flower. This flower is known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience. Ancient people believed that when the leaves of this flower are burned could drive away evil serpents. Aster is also known as the 20th wedding anniversary flower.
OCTOBER – Calendula or Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula came from the Latin word kalendae which means ‘first day of the month’ maybe because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. Marigold is one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, because it is very easy to grow. Calendula is also called as “summer bride” or “husbandman’s dial” because it’s flower head follows the sun.
NOVEMBER – Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is known for its original golden brown color. The Greek prefix “chrys-“ means golden (its original color) and “-anthemion,” means flower, years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, from white to purple to red. This flower symbolizes optimism and joy. Chrysanthemum is also known as the 13th wedding anniversary flower.
DECEMBER – Narcissus (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.)
Narcissus flower name was derived from Greek mythology of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection in a stream. This wonderful flower represents formality, sweetness, self admiration, formality, and egotism.
on January 27, 2011 on 8:38 pm
This is great stuff. Can’t wait to read some more from you.