April's birth month flower is the lovely daisy. Not sure what your blossom is? Give this article we recently wrote a read for some hints.
What Is Your Birth Month Flower?
by Gina Margolies
Has a flower ever spoken to you?
Mother Nature speaks in many ways – the sound of a bird’s wings flapping towards sunset, the smell of rain falling on basil leaves, the feel of wind sliding over burnished cheeks, the taste of snow dancing on a wintertide tongue – serenading the senses with her free-spirited messages of love. Sometimes, she even utilizes words.
There is a language in each flower
That opens to the eye.
A voiceless – but a magic power,
Doth in earth’s blossoms lie;
J.J. Grandville
Grandville sings of the ancient language flowers speak, comprised of meanings attributed to blossoms by traditional cultures throughout the world for centuries. Those meanings are often linked to a particular time, a blooming season, a holiday, a month. It is diverting to imagine from where these meanings arose. Some cultural historians say they are a gift from the ancient Romans.
During the time of the Roman Empire, birthdays were recognized by gathering with loved ones. Guests often brought gifts, but not just for the birthday celebrant. Partygoers honored Roman gods and goddesses by decorating the domestic altar with flowers. (The Romans valued flowers, exalting Flora the goddess of flowers every Spring with a multi-day festival called the Floralia.) These decorations could be the reason a particular flower came to be associated with a particular month, probably based on what flower was in bloom when the birthday celebration occurred. Since guests were bringing flowers for the gods, why not bring some for the birthday celebrant as well? It is possible this tradition inspired the later creation of lists of flowers associated with each particular month, which have come to be known as birth month flowers.
At some point, the language of flowers was formalized. The Victorians were crazy for the idea of meaning specific to flowers and even produced dictionaries of floral language. The calendar and dictionary eventually met and the result was a list of birth month flowers with characteristics for each blossom. This rendezvous might have taken place in the Old Farmer’s Almanac, although no one knows for sure. Wherever it came from, the notion that certain flowers represent certain cultural concepts is not novel, but it is fun and maybe just a touch magical. Perhaps you have felt an affinity for a particular flower without knowing why? Or perceived the light a little differently with a certain blossom in the room, breathed a sweeter air than before it was there? That flower may have been speaking to you because of when you were born, the first days of your life’s spring. Just like you have a birthstone and an astrological sign, you also have a birth month flower. Like astrological signs, birth month flowers have particular characteristics attributed to them which are said to reflect the personalities of those born in that month. Whether or not you ascribe to astrology or floriography, knowing your birth month flower is an entertaining diversion. Birth month flowers are a natural celebration of all those born in a particular month, one that brings beauty, color, fragrance, and joy to life. What is your birth month flower?
January’s birth month flower, the humble carnation, speaks to us of love, and those born in its month embody the sentiment. Carnations speak in different colors, each of which conveys a different meaning. A pink carnation represents affection, particularly a mother’s love for her child, red speaks of passionate love, white signifies the hope and beauty of pure love. The scientific name for carnation, dianthus caryophyllus, is derived from the words dios (divine) and anthos (flower), lending January babies an otherworldly quality.
February’s birth month flower is the regal violet, which signifies loyalty and faithfulness. The gift of a violet exudes devotion to the recipient. Violets also represent luxury, extravagance and ambiguity, brushing February babies with a tinge of sensuous mystery. It is said that dreaming of a violet carries the promise of advancement in life, providing the perfect excuse for February babies to dream away the chilly nights of their birth month.
March’s birth month flower is the lightsome daffodil, sign of spring, sunbeams, and rebirth. Daffodils represent new beginnings, and it is said that simply gazing at March’s flower creates a feeling of newness. The flower of March radiates unequaled love and the sun is always shining when a March baby is around.
April’s birth month flower is the sweet daisy, symbol of innocence, purity, and loyal love. Some say the daisy has healing powers, and others claim the daisy promises “I’ll never tell.” This simple flower requires nothing more than a kiss of sun and a drop of dew to thrive. Its day’s eye wraps its petals every night and shakes them out to greet the sun every morning, a nice practice for April babies.
May’s birth month flower is the lovely lily of the valley, happiness ringing from its delicate white bells. This flower needs little care and relishes growing wild and beautiful in the woods. Fun fact: The scientific name for lily of the valley – majalis – means of or belonging to May, so May babies can be certain this bloom is for them.
June’s birth month flower is the elegant rose, a birthday blossom that uses color to express emotion. Pink sings of happiness, red of love, yellow of jealousy, and white of innocence. Less is more with June roses - the best way to send a message of love to your June-born sweetheart is a single red rose.
July’s birth month flower is the larkspur, sometimes called delphinium. Perhaps due to its simplicity of form, larkspur is associated with great joy, an open heart, and desire for strong bonds of love. The gift of a larkspur could be the start of an ardent attachment. Larkspurs also bring a certain lightness with their delicate petals, perfect for July babies to waft unencumbered through summer’s hazy heat.
August’s birth month flower is the gladiolus or sword lily. The gladiolus exudes strength of character, calmness, and moral integrity, while also being a symbol of infatuation. The latter may derive from its shape, as the August sword can pierce the heart with love. The gift of this birth month flower brings faithfulness and honor with it.
September’s birth month flower is the aster, symbol of love and patience with just a hint of magic hidden behind its simple face. The aster’s star-like visage combines daintiness with elegance allowing it to truly shine in any moment.
October’s birth month flower is the marigold, bright, cheerful, and talented, a sign of autumn that speaks of warmth and contentment. In some Asian cultures the marigold is a festival flower. Also known as calendula, this flower has reputed healing powers and it is rumored to endow October babies with beautiful skin. The marigold bears the gift of gold to brighten any day.
November’s birth month flower is the multi-faceted chrysanthemum. This birthday blossom speaks of friendship, optimism, and joy. In some cultures, the chrysanthemum represents perfection due to the orderly arrangement of its petals. The chrysanthemum is reputed to bring happiness and laughter into a home, and maybe November babies do the same.
December’s birth month flower is the narcissus, symbolizing respect, faithfulness, and sometimes vanity. The narcissus carries the message that you are enough just the way you are. Close cousin the paperwhite is often displayed at Christmas time, and both flowers are the perfect gift for a December baby.
Knowing the birth month flower of a loved one makes for a wonderful gift giving guide in tune with the natural world. Or maybe the loved one is yourself. Imagine your desk decorated with a small vase of your birth month flower and it’s hard not to smile. Mother Nature knows the best gifts are the natural ones. What is your birth month flower?