Zodiac signs, birthstones, and birth flowers! We love them all! Each month is matched with two blooms that reflects the essence of the season and those born in that month, from the hopeful daffodils of March to the resilient chrysanthemums of November. But what’s the history behind all of these birthday blooms? And what do they say about you? Explore the history, symbolism, and personality traits behind each birth flower with the experts at Bloomwoods Flowers, the top florist in Columbus—you might be surprised at what you find!

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, once used in grand Roman and Greek celebrations and coronations, earned their divine (genus) name dianthus as it means “flower of the gods.” Snowdrops, the first brave blooms of winter, were cherished in folklore. A Christian tale tells of an angel who transformed delicate snowflakes into these flowers, gifting them to Adam and Eve as a sign of hope.

February: Violet, Iris

In Ancient Greece, violets symbolized love and fertility, even making their way into love potions with their heart-shaped petals. The Victorians adored them, too, using them in art and poetry as symbols of romance. Irises, named after the Greek goddess who linked gods and humans with her rainbow, also connected mortals and the divine in Egyptian culture. They even inspired Van Gogh!

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils carry an ancient story — Greek myth says they grew where Narcissus (the son of the river god Cephissus) met his fate. Too capticated by his own reflection, he fell into a body of water and drowned. Welsh folklore brings a happier twist—spot the first daffodil of spring, and good fortune follows! Jonquils, another variety of Narcissus, focus less on self-love and more on romance, adding a touch of warmth to March’s floral symbolism.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies, whose name comes from the Old English “day’s eye,” were sacred to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. These timeless flowers may have been around for millions of years, appearing in prehistoric stone carvings. Sweet peas, first brought to Europe in the 17th century, spread quickly due to their beauty and sweet fragrance. In France, they became a symbol of romance and were gifted to brides to bring luck and happiness to their new marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley carries both divine and sorrowful origins—Apollo used it as a soft path for nymphs to walk on. Christian tradition says these blooms grew where Mary shed tears at her son’s crucifixion or as Eve shed tears on her way out of the garden of eden. Hawthorn, adored in Celtic celebrations, played a major role as decor in Beltane festivals. With its deep ties to the fairy world, it was seen as a powerful protector and a sign of good fortune.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been the ultimate symbol of love for centuries—Cleopatra famously filled entire rooms with them to woo Mark Antony. Honeysuckle, whose name translates to “honey suck” in Middle English, has its own rich history. The Druids associated it with happiness and joy, while European folklore believed it brought luck and protected homes from negative energy. Together, these fragrant blooms make June a month of love, sweetness, and good fortune.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Delphiniums, named after the Greek word for dolphin, are tied to multiple myths. Some say they came from a dragon with blue blood, while others link them to the legendary Battle of Troy. Water lilies, honored in multiple cultures, are linked to the Egyptian sun god Ra and were believed to be sacred to Greek water nymphs. Also referred to as a lotus, water lilies remains one of the most powerful symbols of spiritual growth and enlightenment in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus, also known as sword lilies, were the ultimate flex in Ancient Rome—gladiators wore them around their necks as a symbol of strength. Victorious warriors were also showered with them after battle. Poppies, on the other hand, have a deep, dreamy history. In Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, they symbolized sleep and resurrection. Today, they’re known as flowers of remembrance, honoring those who’ve fallen in battle.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters, named after the Greek word for star, bring cosmic beauty to September. Morning glories, with their deep mythological roots, grew where Izanami (Japan’s goddess of creation and death), was buried—forever symbolizing her beauty and endless love. Their daily blooming cycle reminds us that love is renewed with each sunrise.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds have been cherished for centuries. Deeply woven into celebrations like Dia De Los Muertos and Diwali, they represent joy, remembrance, and protection. Their vibrant petals are thought to create a spiritual connection. Cosmos, with their perfect petal arrangement, are named after the Greek word kosmos, meaning order and harmony. Their graceful symmetry reflects the natural balance of the universe or cosmos.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, known as The Queen of Fall Flowers, get their name from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). Peonies have a drama-filled past. One legend says the nymph Paeonia was turned into a flower by a jealous and angered Aphrodite. Another tells of Zeus transforming the healer Paeon into a peony to save him from his envious mentor, Asclepius. Either way, these blooms prove that beauty often comes from unexpected twists of fate.

December: Holly, Narcissus

In Celtic mythology, holly stood as a powerful symbol of protection, fertility, and eternal life. Holly was once sacred to the Druids and worn as wreaths in luck-bringing rituals. Over time, it became a staple of Christmas traditions, bringing warmth and cheer to the winter season. Narcissus, on the other hand, tells a cautionary tale—legend says the vain young Narcissus fell in love with his reflection and drowned, only for yellow narcissus flowers to bloom in his place. (This should ring a bell!)

Now that you know the stories behind each birth flower, it’s time to put that knowledge to good use! Find the perfect birthday bouquet at Bloomwoods Flowers, where every stem, petal, and leaf is packed with symbolism and thoughtfulness. Because flowers aren’t just pretty—they tell a story.