Were you aware that every month is repped by two birth flowers as opposed to only one? If not, you do now, and you’re about to be an expert! This tradition has been blooming since the Victorian Age, with some having roots that dig even deeper into ancient history. Both the primary and secondary flowers have super interesting backstories that make them the ideal match for each of their months. At Worthington Flowers in Wynantskill, NY, we’re here to give you all the juicy details about these meaningful blooms.

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

To get the full scoop on the origin story of carnations, head back to the ancient civilizations in Greece and Rome, where they were must-haves for public events like coronations. Their name may be derived from the Latin “carnis,” which translates to flesh in English, thanks to their soft pink shade. Snowdrops, January’s other (but equally powerful) flower, are all about blooming against the odds in the midst of winter’s chill. In many stories and cultures, they remind us that even in the coldest times, new beginnings are always possible.

February: Violet, Iris

Ancient Greece is where the origin story of violets can be traced, where they were all the rage in love potions and sweet perfumes, thanks to their ties to romance and fertility. In the European Renaissance, violets became go-to muses for artists and writers. Victorians kept the love alive, associating violets with loyalty and fidelity. Irises, beloved by Romans, Egyptians, and master Vincent Van Gogh, are named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. It’s safe to say these flowers have serious history!

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Members of the Narcissus family, daffodils are named after the Greek myth of Narcissus. In it, the gorgeous man who got way too into his own reflection and, well… didn’t have a happy ending. Legend says a daffodil blossomed in the precise place where he drowned. In Chinese culture, these flowers have a more optimistic meaning — if on day one of the new year one blossoms, it’s a sign of major wealth and success coming your way. Jonquils, a type of daffodil that can have multiple flowers on one individual stem, are all about romance, fresh starts, and spreading good vibes.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies have been revered for centuries, appearing in both Norse and Roman mythology. The Norse associated them with motherhood and childbirth because they were linked to Freyja, their fertility goddess. The Romans had a different take — a nymph called Belides made herself a daisy to dodge an admirer who wouldn’t take a hint. Sweet peas took a different path to fame, arriving in Europe in the 1600s thanks to a Sicilian monk. The French later made them a wedding must-have, gifting them to women for good luck on their big day.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley has been legendary in many traditions and cultures for centuries. In Greek myths, Apollo set up a fragrant flower path for his muses using these delicate blossoms. According to Christianity, Lily of the Valley is said to have grown where the Virgin Mary or Eve shed tears of sorrow and grief. Hawthorn, a favorite bloom in Celtic traditions, was thought to be linked to the fairy realm and grow in magical places. It was also a symbol of fertility, which is why it played a big role in Beltane celebrations.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have always been the VIPs of the flower world, symbolizing love across a multitude of cultures, even being affiliated with Aphrodite and Venus. They’ve been cultivated by humans for centuries, with ancient Persia and China being the pioneers. Honeysuckle, the second June flower, was seen as a lucky charm in European folklore, protecting against malevolent energy. And in Greek mythology, the bloom had a seriously romantic connection — lovers Daphnis and Chloe were only able to be together while honeysuckle was season.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

In England during Medieval times, delphiniums went beyond pretty — they were believed to have magical qualities and were often mixed into potions. Pawnee legend gives them an even more mystical backstory, saying they appeared when a dream woman tore through the sky, causing pieces of it to fall and land as flowers. Water lilies, meanwhile, are treasured in East Asian traditions, symbolizing enlightenment, wisdom, and purity. Ancient Egyptians lore also reveres them, linking them to the act of creation and Ra, their powerful sun god.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus gets its unique moniker from the Latin word gladius (sword in English), which makes perfect sense since these flowers have extremely tall blooms. In Ancient Rome, gladiators would wear them as they battled in the arena; if they bested their opponent, the cheering crowd would throw more of them down a sign of victory. Poppies were considered sacred to the powerful Egyptian god Osiris, and symbolized rebirth, dreams, and sleep. In modern times, poppies have taken on a new meaning — they’re now heartfelt symbols of remembrance for fallen soldiers.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

The Romans and Greeks saw asters as sacred flowers, and would decorate their shrines with them. One legend says they were created from the tears of the goddess of stars when she mourned the empty night sky and wept. Morning glories were just as special — both the Mayans and Aztecs trusted in their mystical properties and used them in ritual potions. The Ancient Egyptians viewed them powerful symbols of resurrection and engraved them onto sarcophagi as a reminder of life beyond the grave.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds play major roles in religious and cultural rituals and celebrations. They honor those who have passed on during Día de los Muertos in Central America and Mexico, as well as in the diaspora. Marigolds also add color and meaning to Diwali festivities in India, the sacred day that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Cosmos, with their evenly spaced petals and bright centers, take their name from the cosmos itself, representing order and balance throughout the universe.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Asian cultures have revered chrysanthemums for centuries, symbolizing everything from the sun in Japan (where they’re the national flower) to virtue and autumn in China as part of the illustrious “Four Noble Ones.” On the other hand, peonies have a Greek myth with a little more drama. Paeon, one of Asclepius’ students, made an impressive medical breakthrough, which made his teacher jealous and seriously angry. To protect him, Zeus used his powers to turn him into a peony, making sure he’d be spared from any harm.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly trees were sacred to the Ancient Celts, who linked them to the mystical Holly King, the ruler of the darker half of the year. The Romans also saw holly as special, placing it in their homes on Saturnalia in order to keep bad forces out — long before holly became a Christmas classic! And yes, narcissus is back (because one mythology lesson wasn’t enough). This flower gets its moniker from the Greek hunter who was so intensely obsessed with his own reflection that he fell in the water and drowned, leaving a patch of narcissus flowers behind.

Now that you know the language of flowers, use it to celebrate in the most meaningful way! Mark a loved one’s big day with a gorgeous birthday arrangement from Worthington Flowers — where every bloom is designed to leave a lasting impression.