Sure, flowers are beautiful, but did you know they also tell stories? Every birth month has its own blooms, selected through history, folklore, and tradition. Whether it’s the cheerful daffodil of March or the regal lily of May, these flowers represent qualities, emotions, and even ancient beliefs. If you’ve never met your birth flower before, consider this your official introduction! Mission Viejo, the top florist in Orange County, is spilling all the tea behind these legendary stems.
January: Carnation, Snowdrop
Carnations have been cherished since ancient Greece and Rome, where they were commonly used in coronations and festivities. They are often called the “flower of the gods,” a reference to their genus, Dianthus, which is derived from Greek. Snowdrops, the first sign of life in winter, were revered for their strength. One Christian legend tells of an angel who transformed snowflakes into these delicate flowers to bring Adam and Eve a symbol of hope.
February: Violet, Iris
Violets were a great symbol of fertility and love in Ancient Greece. Their lovely heart-shaped blooms were even sprinkled into Greek love potions and became timeless symbols of romance in Victorian art. Irises, linked to the rainbow goddess Iris, were seen as bridges between gods and mortals. These flowers are so captivating they even found their way onto Van Gogh’s iconic works.
March: Daffodil, Jonquil
Daffodils are rich in legends and symbolism. Greek mythology links them to Narcissus, the son of the river god Cephissus. Narcissus (also the genus of daffodils) fell so madly in love with his own reflection that he drownded — it’s said that yellow daffodils blossomed in his place. Welsh folklore, on the other hand, sees daffodils as lucky charms. Whoever spots the one first in spring will be granted with lots of luck and prosperity! Jonquils, a type of Narcissus, leans more toward romantic love.
April: Daisy, Sweet Pea
Daisies, with their bright and cheerful faces, were sacred to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. Their history stretches back millions of years, with evidence of their existence in prehistoric stone carvings. Sweet peas, brought to Europe by a 17th-century monk, thrived in gardens across the continent. In France, they became a symbol of marital happiness, gifted to brides as a token of good luck.
May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn
According to Greek mythology, Apollo planted Lily of the Valley so nymphs could walk barefoot without harm. In Christianity, it’s said these flowers bloomed from Mary’s tears as she wept over her son or Eve’s sorrowful tears as she exited the Garden of Eden. Hawthorn, cherished in Celtic tradition, was central to Beltane, where it adorned homes and fields. This mystical bloom was thought to be a gateway to the fairy realm, bringing protection to those who respected it.
June: Rose, Honeysuckle
Roses have symbolized romantic love and passion for centuries! Cleopatra’s legendary displays to impress Mark Antony have evolved into today’s romantic Valentine’s Day gestures. Honeysuckle, whose name means “honey suck” in Middle English, was equally adored. Druids saw this bloom as a sign of happiness, while European folklore believed it brought good fortune.
July: Larkspur, Water Lily
The name delphinium comes from the Greek word for dolphin, a nod to its appearance that resembles a dolphin’s nose. Some myths say these flowers sprouted from a dragon’s blue blood, while others link them to the Battle of Troy. Water lilies have an equally magical past—connected to the Egyptian sun god Ra and home to water nymphs in Greek mythology. In Eastern traditions, water lilies, or the lotus, is a powerful emblem of enlightenment.
August: Gladiolus, Poppy
Roman gladiators took flower power seriously! Gladiolus, or sword lilies, were worn around the necks of gladiators for protection during battle. After a victory, spectators would toss gladiolus in celebration, raining down on winners after the battle. Poppies, once linked to the cycle of sleep and resurrection in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, now stand as a tribute to fallen soldiers. August’s flowers remind us of both bravery, courage, and remembrance.
September: Aster, Morning Glory
Asters were named after the Greek word for star, and honestly, they totally look like tiny floral galaxies. Meanwhile, morning glories tell a deeper story—Japanese legend says they grew from the burial site of Izanami, the goddess of creation, symbolizing eternal love and beauty. Despite their short lifespan, they bloom anew each day, a testament to resilience and renewal.
October: Marigold, Cosmo
Marigolds have long been symbols of celebration and remembrance, from Dia De Los Muertos altars in Mexico to festive garlands in India. Their rich color and strong fragrance are believed to attract both spirits and good fortune. Cosmos, on the other hand, bring a sense of calm with their orderly petals, earning their name from the Greek word kosmos, meaning harmony. They remind us that even in chaos, there’s beauty in balance.
November: Chrysanthemums, Peony
With a name meaning golden flower in Greek, chrysanthemums have ruled the fall season for centuries as “The Queen of Fall Flowers.” Peonies, though, are rooted in transformation. One legend says a nymph named Paeonia was turned into one by a jealous Aphrodite, while another tells of a healer named Paeon saved by Zeus through floral reincarnation. These blooms remind us that change, even unexpected, can lead to something truly beautiful.
December: Holly, Narcissus
Holly has been a sign of strength and protection for centuries, first in Druidic rituals and later in Christmas celebrations. Its deep green leaves and bright red berries remind us of life’s resilience through winter. Narcissus, meanwhile, has a story straight out of Greek mythology—after falling for his own reflection, Narcissus wasted away, and flowers bloomed where he once stood (remember?). His fate was sealed by vanity, but his flowers remain a timeless symbol of beauty and renewal.
You’ve learned the legends, myths, and meanings—now it’s time to select the most meaningful birthday bouquet! Turn to Mission Viejo Florist to find the perfect arrangements filled with blooms that say more than words ever could. Thoughtfulness starts here!
