What Are Birth Flowers?

Joyful parents and flower enthusiasts, listen up! If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, birth flowers are the blossoms associated with each month of the year, and some traditions even assign specific flowers to each day. Think of them as the botanical counterparts to birthstones – they carry meanings that can depict personality traits, aspirations, or a parent’s hope for their child’s future.

January: The Carnation & Snowdrop

Babies born in the chill of January are represented by the sturdy yet beautiful carnation and the resilient snowdrop. The carnation, coming in a bounty of colors, symbolizes love, fascination, and distinction. Snowdrops, on the other hand, are symbols of hope and beauty, reminding us that spring is on the horizon, even on the coldest days.

February: The Violet & Primrose

February’s children have the delicate violet and the charming primrose as their birth flowers. Violets embody loyalty, faithfulness, and humility, which are wonderful traits to wish for a child. Primroses signify young love and the belief that you can’t live without someone—how fitting for a newborn who becomes the center of your universe.

March: The Daffodil

March brings the promise of spring, and with it the cheerful daffodil. This bright yellow bloom is synonymous with new beginnings, making it a perfect emblem for the entrance of a newborn into the world. Daffodils are also a symbol of prosperity and are seen as bringing good fortune—two things every parent wishes for their child.

April: The Daisy & Sweet Pea

April showers bring forth the innocent daisy and the blissful sweet pea. A daisy represents purity, true love, and new beginnings—apt for the start of life’s journey. Sweet peas convey blissful pleasure, and they’re also associated with a fond farewell. Perhaps a sweet pea might symbolize a parents’ hope for their child’s happy and adventurous life ahead.

May: The Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

For the merry month of May, we have the sweetly-scented lily of the valley and the strong hawthorn. Lilies of the valley represent humility and the return of happiness, which may resonate with parents as they welcome the joy a child brings. The hawthorn, with its hardy flowers, stands for hope and supreme happiness.

June: The Rose & Honeysuckle

The regal rose and the enticing honeysuckle grace children born in June. Roses, in their myriad of colors, hold different meanings, including love, honor, faith, and beauty. The intoxicating honeysuckle signifies the everlasting bonds of love, a fitting tribute to the new ties formed by childbirth.

And There’s More!

Aren’t these birth flowers just enchanting? But wait, this is just the beginning! There are six more months, each with their distinctive floral representations that are waiting to be explored!

Understanding the Language of Flowers

Each flower whispers different stories and myths, telling tales that have been woven through the fabric of time. By choosing a birth flower for your baby, you’re embracing a world of poetry and message, tailored to their unique entry into the world.

5 Things Every Parent Should Know When Preparing for Birth Flowers by Date

1. Significance of Colors

Colors are not merely aesthetic choices; they hold profound meanings. Bright reds speak of vibrant love, soft pinks offer a gentle affection, while the purity of whites call forth new beginnings and peace. When choosing a birth flower, consider the hues that might best represent the qualities you hope to bless upon your child.

2. Seasonal Availability

Nature’s calendar may not align with our own, so it’s important to note that some birth flowers might be out of season on the actual birth date. Think ahead, perhaps planting a flower that will bloom annually around your child’s birthday, or source them from trusted florists who can obtain blooms year-round.

3. Personalization and Variation

While each month has its designated birth flowers, there’s room for personal touch. For instance, a rose’s color could be tailored to a sentiment you cherish, or a secondary flower might be added to represent another layer of your child’s personality or family tradition.

4. Longevity and Care

Each flower requires different care to flourish to its fullest potential, much like children themselves. Understanding the care needed for the birth flower you choose can become a nurturing ritual that mirrors the growth of your child.

5. Symbolism in Gifts

Integrating birth flowers in gifts—whether in bouquets, jewelry, or art—can create a lasting connection to the momentous occasion of birth. These make for cherished keepsakes that carry the fragrance of memory far beyond the initial celebration.

July to December: Completing the Birth Flower Calendar

Our journey across the calendar continues as we reveal the birth flowers for the remaining months of the year, each with its own unique story and personality reflecting the distinctive characteristics of babies born during these times.

Connecting with Your Child Through Nature

Engaging with your child through the lens of their birth flower opens up conversations about nature, growth, and the diversity that makes our world beautiful. It’s an invitation to explore and appreciate the small wonders around us, instilling a sense of curiosity and love for nature from a young age.

Birth Flowers: A Blooming Tradition to Cherish

The tradition of birth flowers is a heartfelt way to celebrate life. Embrace it, and let these botanical symbols become part of your family’s narrative, adding depth and color to the story of your child’s life.