Have you ever wondered what your birth flowers are or what they mean? Just like birthstones, every month has two special blooms linked to it—some with legends as old as time (okay, maybe not that old, but close). From ancient myths to deep-rooted traditions, these flowers aren’t just gorgeous—they carry stories, symbolism, and a whole lot of history. So, if you’ve ever wanted to know why January gets carnations or why July is all about the larkspur, you’re in the right place. Explore these stunning stems and learn about their past dramas with the experts at VanderSalm’s Flowershop, the top florist in Kalamazoo.

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, adored since ancient times, were used in Greek and Roman celebrations and coronations. Peherps this is why they earned the title “flower of the gods” from their genus name, dianthus. Snowdrops are tiny yet mighty winter blooms that have long symbolized hope. One legend even tells of an angel turning snowflakes into these delicate flowers for Adam and Eve as a hopeful gift.

February: Violet, Iris

Violets, with their heart-shaped petals, have symbolized love and fertility for ages. From ancient Greek love potions to Victorian art and literature, their symbolism remains the same. Irises, named for the rainbow goddess, Iris, connected gods and humans in Greek and Egyptian stories. These blooms are so enchanting they became one of Van Gogh’s artistic muses.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils owe their name to Narcissus (the son of Cephissus, a river god), the Greek figure who fell so deeply in love with his own reflection that he wasted away—leaving behind a daffodil in his place. In Wales, these bright blooms are a lucky charm, bringing prosperity to whoever sees them first in spring. Jonquils, a sweetly-scented variety of Narcissus, lean more toward romantic love than self-obsession.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

It is believed that daisies are among the oldest flowers on Earth, appearing in stone carvings millions of years ago. Their name comes from “day’s eye” in Old English, and they were a sacred bloom to the Norse goddess of fertility and love, Freyja. Sweet peas, introduced to Europe by a 17th-century Sicilian monk, became a French tradition—given to brides on their wedding day as a symbol of good luck in marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley has long been tied to gods and sorrow alike—Apollo planted it to cushion the footsteps of nymphs, while Christian tradition says it bloomed from Mary’s or Eve’s tears. This delicate yet powerful flower has symbolized purity and renewal for centuries. Hawthorn, a staple in Celtic Beltane celebrations, was believed to mark the transition from spring to summer. Deeply connected to the fairy realm, it was thought to offer protection and blessings to those who honored it.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Few flowers are as iconic as the rose—beloved across cultures, they’ve symbolized romantic love since ancient times. Cleopatra famously used them to seduce Mark Antony and their cultivation can be traced back thousands of years to China. Honeysuckle, from the Middle English word honeysouke meaning honey suck, was named for its sweet nectar. Honeysuckle was also cherished by Druids as a symbol of joy. European folklore also saw it as a protective charm, bringing luck to those who kept it close.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Larkspur (or delphinium) get their name from the Greek word for dolphin due to their bottlenose appearance. Some legends say they came from the blood of a blue-blooded dragon or even played a role in the Battle of Troy. Water lilies, on the other hand, are the celestial beauties of the flower world—sacred to the sun god, Ra, in Egypt and tied to dreamy water nymphs in Greek mythology. And let’s not forget their famous relative, the lotus, the ultimate symbol of spiritual enlightenment and inner peace in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus, also called sword lilies, weren’t just admired for their striking shape—Roman gladiators wore them for protection, and victorious warriors were showered with them as a sign of honor. Poppies, meanwhile, have carried deep symbolism for centuries. In ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, they represented sleep and resurrection. Today, they are powerful symbols of remembrance, honoring those who have given their lives in battle. Together, these blooms tell a story of courage, sacrifice, and legacy.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters, named after the Greek word for star, light up September with their celestial-shaped petals. In Japanese mythology, morning glories flourished where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was laid to rest. Their blooms became a symbol of her eternal love and beauty. These vibrant flowers also remind us that love, like nature, continues even after loss.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds aren’t just bright and bold—they carry deep cultural meaning, especially during Dia De Los Muertos, when they’re used to connect with loved ones that have passed on. In India, they’ve become a staple in Diwali celebrations and wedding garlands, symbolizing prosperity and devotion. Cosmos flowers take a different approach, bringing a sense of calm with their perfectly symmetrical petals. Their name, from the Greek word kosmos, represents harmony and the natural order of the universe.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, the official flower of fall, take their name from the Greek words for gold (chrysos) and flower (anthemon), fitting for their royal status as the Queen of Fall Flowers. Peonies are rooted in mythology. One myth claims Aphrodite turned Paeonia, a nymph, into one out of jealousy, while another tells of Zeus transforming Paeon, a healer, to protect him from a vengeful mentor.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly, cherished by the Druids for its protective powers, later found its place in Christmas traditions, symbolizing eternal life. Its rich green leaves and bright red berries bring color to winter’s coldest days. Narcissus, though, has a far more ironic story—obsessed with his own beauty, Narcissus lost himself to his reflection, and flowers bloomed where he perished (remember?). His fate may have been tragic, but his flowers continue to brighten gardens with their golden petals as a symbol of new beginnings.

Now that you’ve unlocked the history and meaning behind birth flowers, make your next birthday gift truly unforgettable. Shop VanderSalm’s Flowershop for bouquets that are just as thoughtful as they are stunning!