Birth Flowers And Their Profound Meanings
In the tapestry of life, flowers have always held a special significance, each bloom weaving its own story. Birth flowers are a delightful tradition that allows any bouquet to carry a hidden meaning. Imagine including yours and your partners birth month flowers into your bouquet - adding that extra symbolism to such a central part of your wedding.
Join me as I look at the enchanting world of birth flowers and the profound meanings they carry. I hope to inspire you to incorporate these beautiful blooms into your bouquet.
And if you’d like to immortalise your chosen flowers into a piece of art for your home, I’m here to help with that too. My name is Harriet and I specialise in pressing and framing bridal bouquets to create deeply sentimental pieces of art. If you’d like to learn more about how I can help you then head over to my website.
But for now let’s crack into birth flowers and their meanings…
January - Carnation
Symbolising love, fascination, and distinction, the January-born are adorned with the classic beauty of carnations. These blooms, available in an array of colours, add timeless elegance to bouquets, reflecting the enduring love that defines weddings.
Some think of carnations as out dated, stuffy flowers but I beg to differ. These frilly little delights come in such a huge range of colours, last for weeks, and with a little bit of fluffing look more like roses than traditional carnations.
February - Violet
The February-born are graced with violets, symbolising loyalty, faithfulness, and wisdom. In Greek mythology, violets were associated with love and fertility so integrating these delicate blooms into your bouquet will add touch of grace and a nod to the enduring bond of marriage.
Some violets emit a delicate, sweet scent that is described as both floral and earthy. The scent of violets is often associated with nostalgia and evokes a sense of tranquility.
March - Daffodil
March brings forth the cheerful daffodil, symbolising new beginnings, hope, and resilience. A perfect choice for spring weddings, daffodils bring a burst of sunshine to your bouquet, reflecting the joy of your union.
They're a positive, life-affirming symbol, with a bright and joyful yellow colour. Daffodils are strong, resilient flowers that pop up year after year. Some people choose to plant daffodils in memory of their loved ones.
April - Daisy
Daisies, representing innocence, purity, and simplicity, are the birth flower for April. Adorn your bouquet with these charming blooms to convey the sincerity and purity of your love on your wedding day.
Daisy petals are commonly associated with childhood memories of collecting wildflower bouquets. Many flower girls scatter Daisy petals at weddings to represent the purity of love.
May - Lily of the Valley
May-born individuals are blessed with the delicate Lily of the Valley, symbolising sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. These dainty blooms add an ethereal touch to bridal bouquets, embodying the essence of love and joy.
Queen Victoria, Princess Astrid of Sweden, Grace Kelly, and Kate Middleton all used the white, bell-shaped buds in their wedding bouquets.
June - Rose
Roses, the timeless symbol of love and passion, are the birth flower for June. Whether classic red, romantic pink, or pure white, roses in your bouquet carry the eternal message of love, making them an iconic choice for weddings.
There are rose fossils that date back 35 million years. The oldest living rose is 1,000 years old, and it lives on the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany!
July - Delphiniums (or Larkspur)
Delphiniums, with its tall and majestic spikes, represents levity, lightness, and joy. Infuse your bouquet with the vibrant hues of delphiniums to celebrate the happiness and laughter that your marriage brings.
There are a couple of different theories on the origin of the name Delphinium. The most common one is that it comes from the ancient Greek word “delphínion”, meaning dolphin, as the shape of the flower resembles these beautiful creatures. Another theory also comes from ancient Greece. The sun god Apollo supposedly favoured Delphiniums, so they were placed at altars in his temples. Because of this, the flowers were named after the famous temple of Delphi.
August - Gladiolus
August births are associated with the gladiolus, symbolising strength, integrity, and sincerity. Including these tall and striking blooms in your bouquet adds a touch of resilience and sincerity to your wedding day.
Named for their shape and appearance, the term gladiolus stems from the diminutive form of gladius, which means sword in Latin.
September - Aster
Symbolic of love, wisdom, and faith, asters are the birth flower for September. These daisy-like blooms create a charming and meaningful addition to bridal bouquets, embodying the love and faith shared in marriage.
Many people mistake the aster for a daisy; however, the aster is actually a member of the sunflower family.
Asters were burned and smoked in ancient times as a means of warding off negative energy. They have been used in remembrance and also medicinally to treat headaches, colds and muscle aches.
October - Marigold
October-born individuals are adorned with marigolds, representing passion, creativity, and warmth. Including these vibrant blooms in your bouquet adds a burst of colour and energy, symbolising the warmth of your love.
They also have some fascinating cultural and symbolic significance that is often overlooked. Once used in ancient Aztec rituals, marigold flowers today are still closely tied to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico and the US.
November - Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, signifying loyalty, love, and cheerfulness, are the birth flower for November. These versatile blooms can be incorporated into bouquets, radiating the joy and loyalty found in a lifelong commitment.
The name “chrysanthemum” comes from two Greek words; “chrysos,” which means “gold,” and “anthemon” for flower. But though gold is a common, popular colour for mums, it’s far from the only option. There are thousands of varieties, and mums can be yellow, red, orange, white, pink, and purple.
December - Holly
December births are associated with Holly, symbolising protection, love, and hope. It is often associated with the ideas of rebirth and renewal, making it a fitting choice for December, a month that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another.
In Conclusion…
Incorporating birth flowers into your wedding bouquet not only adds a personal touch but also infuses your blooms with deeper meaning. As you select the flowers that align with your birth month or the month of your wedding, envision the profound stories these blooms tell. For more advice on how to pick the perfect florist click here.
And remember, as a preservationist, I stand ready to immortalise these beautiful tales in timeless, preserved bouquets. For my top 4 reasons to preserve your wedding bouquet click here.
Here's to the blooming beauty of birth flowers and the everlasting love they symbolise!