Fun fact: Every month has its own unique birth blossoms, and the history behind them is seriously fascinating! These blooms have been tied to their months for centuries — sometimes even dating back to ancient times — with rich symbolism woven into myths and cultural traditions. So, they’re more than just beautiful — they have secrets to share with you. At Shirley’s Flower Studio in Bentonville, Arkansas, we love sharing the stories behind these flowers and what makes each one so special. Because blooms with history? That’s something worth knowing about.

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

The story of carnations starts all the way back in Ancient Greece and Rome, where these blooms starred in large-scale celebrations like coronations. Their name might come from the Latin word “carnis,” which means flesh in English, a nod to their pinkish (and arguably fleshy) tone. Snowdrops, January’s second flower, are well-known for their fearless way of blooming in deep winter. These blossoms also carry a gentle beauty that contrasts with the harshness of their surroundings, symbolizing encouragement, hope, and renewal in many cultures.

February: Violet, Iris

Tracing violets back to Ancient Greece, we find they were used as key ingredients in potions and perfumes, earning their reputation as reps of love and fertility. By the time the Renaissance arrived, they inspired countless artists and writers with their beauty and love symbolism. By Victorian times, they stood for fidelity and faithfulness. Irises have been equally adored, from ancient Egyptians and Romans to the artist Vincent Van Gogh. And let’s not forget — they’re named after Iris, the Greek deity of the rainbow.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Ever wonder why daffodils are scientifically called Narcissus? It’s because of the Greek myth about the tragic youth who was so in love with his reflection that he didn’t make it out of the story alive. A daffodil was said to blossom where he fell into the water and drowned. In China, though, these flowers have a lighter, happier meaning — if one blossoms on the very first day of the new year, it’s a sign that wealth and success are on the way. Jonquils, a variety of daffodil with multiple blooming flowers per stem, bring a little extra sunshine, symbolizing romance, optimism, and fresh starts.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Both the Norse and the Romans had a thing for daisies, but for totally different reasons. In the Norse telling, daisies represented childbirth and motherhood, since they were Freyja’s go-to bloom. In Roman legend, a nymph known as Belides transformed into this flower to avoid the unwanted affection of a smitten god. Sweet peas have a history of their own — they arrived in Europe courtesy of a Sicilian monk in the 17th century. They later became a staple in French weddings as good luck gifts for new brides.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

According to Greek mythology, the creative god Apollo made sure his muses had only the best: Lily of the Valley as a soft, scented carpet beneath their feet. In Christian tradition, these delicate flowers bloomed wherever Mary or Eve’s tears of grief and sadness landed. Hawthorn, beloved in Celtic culture, was considered a favorite of the fairy world and packed with magical energy. It also was the flower of fertility, which is the main reason the Celts used it to decorate during Beltane festivities.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses are hands-down the most famous love flower out there, linked to goddesses like Venus and Aphrodite in mythology. Roses have been around for centuries, with Persia and China pioneering in their cultivation. Honeysuckle, June’s second birth flower, was important in European folklore, believed to bring protection against malevolent forces. And in a Greek myth, Daphnis and Chloe’s romance literally depended on this bloom — whenever honeysuckle was in season, their love could thrive.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

In medieval England, delphiniums were important elixir and potion ingredients, believed to have magical properties that made them perfect for spells. In the Pawnee tradition, they have an even more mystical origin story — supposedly, they grew from fallen pieces of the sky after a dream woman sliced through it. Water lilies are celebrated across East Asia for their connection to enlightenment, purity, and wisdom. The Ancient Egyptians also treasured water lilies, associating them with creation and the mighty sun god, Ra.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gorgeous gladiolus gets its fierce name from the Latin word gladius, meaning sword — pretty fitting considering how tall and striking they are. Roman gladiators used to wear gladiolus into the Colosseum, and after a big win, the crowd would rain down more in celebration. In Ancient Egypt myths, the god Osiris adored poppies, which have deep ties to sleep, dreams, and renewal. Today, poppies have become the ultimate symbol of remembrance for those lost in battle in war.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Both the Greeks and Romans held asters in high regard, using them to decorate temples and sacred places. A legend says they came from Astraea’s tears, the goddess of stars, after she looked at the sky and wept at how empty it was. Morning glories had their own mystical status — Aztec and Mayan civilizations believed in their power and made ceremonial potions from their blooms. The Egyptians also saw them as powerful, linking them to resurrection and inscribing them on sarcophagi.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds are more than just beautiful blooms — they’re powerful symbols of tradition. In Central America, Mexico, and the diasphora, they guide spirits home during Día de los Muertos. In India, they shine in Diwali festivities as a symbol of light and good fortune. Cosmos blossoms bring a whole different kind of symbolism — they get their moniker from the cosmos (literally), and their perfect petals reflect universal balance and harmony.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums have held a special place in Asian traditions for thousands of years. In Japan, they symbolize the sun and longevity and are honored as the national flower. In China, they represent autumn and embody human virtue as part of the “Four Noble Ones.” Peonies, however, come with a dramatic Greek myth. When Paeon, one of Asclepius’ disciples, made an incredible medical discovery, his teacher became enraged and jealous. Zeus heard and made him look like a peony to keep him from Asclepius’ wrath.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly trees were super significant to the Celts, symbolizing the Holly King, who took charge from summer solstice until the winter solstice. Similarly, the Romans were into holly, especially during Saturnalia, when it protected their homes from bad spirits — way before it became a Christmas decoration! Also there’s narcissus (making a second appearance in birth flowers). This one famously gets its name from a Greek hunter who loved his reflection a little too much — so much so that he drowned, and narcissus flowers sprouted where he died.

Birth flowers have a rich history that makes them even more meaningful! Now that you know, take your next birthday gift to the next level with a stunning bouquet from Shirley’s Flower Studio. Thoughtfully chosen and beautifully designed, every bloom carries a special touch — making it so much more than just a gorgeous arrangement.