Did you know every month has its own special flower? Yep, it’s a thing! These birth blooms go way back (we’re talking ancient times) and have some pretty awesome stories behind how they got paired with each month. From myths to cultural traditions, there’s a whole lot of history that makes these blooms more than just pretty petals. At In Bloom Florist in Orlando, Florida, we’re digging into the roots of your birth flower to bring you the 411. They’re proof that even flowers can tell a story — and it’s one worth sharing!

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, Mediterranean natives beloved since ancient Greek and Roman times, were used in coronations and celebrations. While there is some disagreement on the origin of the flower’s name, it’s commonly referred to as “flower of the gods” based on the Greek word dianthus, the genus of carnations. Snowdrops, brave little winter bloomers, were admired in European folklore for their ability to push through the snow. One Christian tale tells of an angel who transformed delicate snowflakes into snowdrops, gifting them to Adam and Eve as a symbol of hope.

February: Violet, Iris

In Ancient Greece, violets were symbols of love and fertility; they were used in love potions, thanks to their heart-shaped petals. Violets held onto this association during the Victorian era, when they were incorporated into art and literature to represent love. Irises are named after the Greek goddess who linked gods and humans with her rainbow, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the mortal world in Greek mythology. These muses of Vincent Van Gogh also linked humans and gods in Ancient Egypt.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils are named after Narcissus (their genus), the son of Cephissus, a river god in Greek mythology. Supposedly a daffodil bloomed in the spot where Narcissus drowned after falling in love with his own reflection. In Welsh mythology, the first person to spot a daffodil in springtime can look forward to prosperity all year long. Jonquils are a species of Narcissus, which can have multiple blossoms on a stem. This bloom is more closely associated with romance.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

From the Old English “day’s eye,” daisies are sacred to Freyja in Norse mythology, the goddess of love and fertility. Some speculate that daisies are the oldest flowers on the planet as they were seen in stone carvings dating back thousands of years. Franciscus Cupani, a Sicilian monk who lived in the 17th century, introduced sweet peas to Europe where they proliferated and thrived. Historically, they were given to new brides in France for good luck in their marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

In Greek mythology, Apollo used Lily of the Valley to cover the ground where nymphs needed to walk. In Christianity they sprung up where Mary’s tears fell at the crucifixion of Jesus, though in some tellings it’s Eve’s tears as she left the garden of eden. Hawthorne was a favorite in Celtic cultures, especially on Beltane when it was used for decoration. It was thought to be tied to the realm of the fairies, ergo offering protection.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been revered in nearly every culture as symbols of love, going back to the ancient Egyptians, when Cleopatra filled rooms with these blooms to woo Antony. Care and cultivation of the flower can be traced to China thousands of years ago. Honeysuckle comes from the Middle English word honeysouke, which literally translates to honey suck. Druids associated them with joy, while broader European mythology portrayed them as bringers of luck and protection.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

The word delphinium (aka larkspur) comes from the Greek word for dolphin (delphis), as the blooms resemble the nose of those marine mammals. Other Greek myths link the bloom with a slayed dragon with blue blood or the Battle of Troy. Water lilies are associated with the Egyptian sun god Ra, whereas they’re connected to water nymphs in Greek mythology. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the water lily (or lotus) is the flower of enlightenment.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Also called sword lilies, gladiators wore gladiolus around their necks while competing in Ancient Roman culture; admiring spectators also rained these flowers of bravery down on them after winning battles. In Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, poppies were linked to sleep and resurrection. Today, poppies are known as the flowers of remembrance and are used to honor those who’ve fallen in battle.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

If you thought that asters looked like stars, you’re be right; these blooms were given their name based on the Greek word for them. Some lore says that asters were made from literal stardust as it fell from space onto our planet, while other says they were made from the tears of the goddess Astraea. The Ancient Egyptians treasured morning glories, symbols of rebirth, which is why you see them drawn on Egyptian sarcophagi. The Mayans and the Aztecs used them in ceremonies because of their supernatural power.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds are a cultural staple in Central America and Mexico, shining bright with meaning during Día de los Muertos celebrations. As they made their journey to India, marigolds became cultural staples, commonly used in weddings, Diwali, and significant religious festivities. Cosmos flowers, known for their super neat and symmetrical petals, got their moniker from the Greek word kosmos, which loosely translates to order, a harmonious arrangement, and world. Some believe their perfectly arranged look reflects peace and balance throughout the cosmos — pretty fitting, right?

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums have been revered in Asian cultures for thousands of years. They’re the national flower of Japan, where they are symbols of the sun and longevity. Chrysanthemums are one of the four noble ones in Chinese tradition (associated with autumn, of course), which represent human virtue. Peonies are tied to the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. When his disciple Paeon (where the name peony comes from) made a compelling medical discovery, his jealousy drove him into a rage. Fortunately Zeus was there to disguise him as a peony, sparing his life.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Before Holly was all about Christmas and merriment, it was a powerful symbol in Celtic mythology, representing everlasting life, fertility, and protection from harm. Druids used the berries in sacred rites and rituals and wore them for good luck in wreaths. And then there’s Narcissus — the original fellow with a vanity problem. According to lore, he was so obsessed with his own reflection that he died while staring at it; afterwards, yellow narcissus flowers popped up where he fell.

Now that you’re an expert on birth flower origins and symbolism, find the perfect birthday bouquet for your loved one at In Bloom Florist. Our arrangements are packed with meaning and thoughtfulness, from stem to leaf to blossom.

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