Say It In Flowers
Did you know that every birth month has a flower and that every flower has a unique meaning and tell a story? In a educational sense, flower characteristics such as appearance, color, and scent, have relevance as gifts, just like birth stones.
This weekend, surprise your loved one with a gift of "just because", related to, or, in their birthstone and/or flower. Light up the weekend as you watch the smiles, the oohs and ahhs. Is it a special anniversary for you? Get a gift in the theme of the color or flower of the month (wink).
Note: This is not a hint for the guys alone, ladies, step up to the challenge.
Who developed the language of flowers?
The language of flowers was developed during the highly conservative period of the Victorian era. It was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Mary Wortley, Lady Montague, whose husband was Ambassador to Turkey.
In a cultural sense, flower characteristics, such as appearance, colors, and scent, have relevance as gifts. It is believed that it was the Romans who started celebrating birth and birthdays using flowers This was done when it was considered totally inappropriate to express feelings of affection and love during the era, because they were strongly restricted by the rules of etiquette.
The language of flowers thus evolved when a message was assigned to a specific flower such as a daisy or an aster. Flowers lovers could send hidden romantic messages.
This weekend, surprise your loved one with a gift of "just because", related to, or, in their birthstone and/or flower. Light up the weekend as you watch the smiles, the oohs and ahhs. Is it a special anniversary for you? Get a gift in the theme of the color or flower of the month (wink).
Note: This is not a hint for the guys alone, ladies, step up to the challenge.
Who developed the language of flowers?
The language of flowers was developed during the highly conservative period of the Victorian era. It was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Mary Wortley, Lady Montague, whose husband was Ambassador to Turkey.
In a cultural sense, flower characteristics, such as appearance, colors, and scent, have relevance as gifts. It is believed that it was the Romans who started celebrating birth and birthdays using flowers This was done when it was considered totally inappropriate to express feelings of affection and love during the era, because they were strongly restricted by the rules of etiquette.
The language of flowers thus evolved when a message was assigned to a specific flower such as a daisy or an aster. Flowers lovers could send hidden romantic messages.
Birth Colors: Birth Flowers and Birthstones | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Birthstone | Flower | Color | Meaning |
January | Garnet | Carnation or Snowdrop | Various - Red, - Pink, - White | Affection, Deep Love, Distinction, Happiness, Fascination, and Lasting Fidelity |
February | Amethyst | Violet or Iris | Violet- Purple | Faithfulness, Purity, and Modesty |
March | Aquamarine | Daffodil or Jonquil | Yellow | Affection, Cheerfulness, Desire, Grants Wishes, New Beginnings, Respect, and Sympathy. |
April | Diamond | Daisy or Sweet Pea | Pink, Purple | Blissful, Curious, Delicate, Departure, Lasting Pleasures, Playful, and Tenacious |
May | Emerald | Lily of the Valley | White | Complete Life, Humility, Return of Happiness, and Sweetness |
June | Pearl Moonstone | Rose or Honeysuckle | Various - Red, - White, - Pink - Yellow | Happy, Friendship, Love, Strong, and Beautiful |
July | Ruby | Larkspur or Tulip or Water Lily | Pink, Purple | Good Luck, Laughter, Levity, Lightness, and Open Heart |
August | Peridot | Gladiolus or Poppy | Various | Beauty, Strength of Character, Love, Marriage, and Family |
September | Sapphire | Aster or Morning Glory | Various - Pink, - Purple | Devotion, Daintiness, Filled with Light, Life and Joy, and Symbol of Love |
October | Opal Tourmaline | Calendula or Marigold or Cosmos | Orange | Contentment, Excellence, Loveliness, Good Luck, Grace, Gratitude, Joy, Love of Nature, Comfort, and True Love |
November | Yellow Topaz Citrine | Chrysanthemum | Various | Compassion, Cheerfulness, Friendship, Sensitivity, and Secret Love |
December | Blue Topaz Turquoise | Holly or Poinsettia or Narcissus or Orchid | White | Reassurance, Celebration, Success, and Wealth |
Birth Flowers By Month Explanation
Below are flowers of the month and the special meanings associated them. It would be a helpful guide for gifting flowers for someone’s birthday.
January
Though this month falls in a cold and gloomy winter season, it seems like an unlikely time for flowers to bloom, but nature has designed flowers which love the extreme weather. The flower associated with the month is Carnation or Snowdrop and is said to symbolize love, fascination and distinction. Carnation, which is also commonly called Gillyflower, is found in a number of colors from pink to purple-red.
February
Though this month is associated with St. Valentine and red roses, the flower for the month is Violet or Iris. The flower symbolizes faithfulness, humility and chastity. Gifting violets in the Victorian era conveyed the message ’I’ll always be true’. The flower is found in shades of blue, mauve as well as yellow and cream. The other February flower is the primrose, which lets someone know you can't live without them.
March
This month is synonymous with the onset of spring (in the Northern Hemisphere). Accordingly the flower associated with this month is Daffodil also known as Jonquil or Narcissus. The colors of the bloom include white, yellow and orange. A gift of these flowers conveys the hidden meaning of friendship and happiness.
April
This month is associated with the Daisy or Sweet Pea which bloom in a wide range of soft colors as well as two tone colors. It is said to symbolize pleasure or good-bye. In the Victorian era, these flowers formed a part of the bouquet which was sent to someone to convey gratefulness.
May
The month of May is associated with the Lily of the Valley flower. It is generally white in color. The flower conveys sweetness and humility. In the Victorian era, it was gifted to convey the romantic message ‘you have made my life complete’.
June
The Rose or the Honeysuckle is the flower of this month. Though roses are available in many colors from red to pink to white to yellow, all with their own special meanings, the underlying message the flowers convey is that of love and passion.
July
The Larkspur, Tulip, or Water Lily is the flower for July. With its simple form, feelings of open heart and ardent attachment are attributed to it.
August
The flower for this month is the Gladiolus or Poppy. It blooms in a variety of colors like red, pink, white, yellow and orange. It stands for sincerity and symbolizes strength of character.
September
The Aster or Morning Glory flower is the flower for this month. It is found in a number of colors – pink, red, white, lilac and mauve. The name of the flower which looks like a star is derived from the Greek word for star. The flower symbolizes love, faith, wisdom and color.
October
The Calendula or Marigold or Cosmos is the flower associated with October. For the Hindus, the month of October is associated with festivals like Dusshera and Diwali and Marigold, an auspicious flower is part of religious ceremonies. However, in the English culture, marigold stands for sorrow and sympathy.
November
The Chrysanthemum, which stands for cheerfulness and love, is associated with the month of November. According to Feng Shui, Chrysanthemums bring happiness and laughter in the house.
December
The Holly or Poinsettia or Narcissus or Orchid is owned by December. These flowers symbolize sweetness.
Credit: eReference Desk
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