Everything You Need To Know About Your Birth Month Flower

You probably know your zodiac sign, and maybe your birthstone, but did you know the month you were born also has its own designated flower?

The tradition of birth month flowers is thought to have begun in Roman times.

Back then, flowers were used as decorations or given as gifts as a way to honor birthdays.

As the "language of flowers" evolved in the 18th century and into the 19th century, certain flowers were used to send discreet messages through their various unspoken meanings.

Fast-forward to today, and each month still has at least one beautiful bloom to its name.

Carnations are the birth month flower for January, coming in an array of colors with different meanings.

Red carnations, for example, symbolize love, while white represents purity.

According to registered herbalist Rachelle Robinett, the energy of February's birth flower is cool and moist.

It has a long history of medicinal use and is thought to represent loyalty, as well as courage, wisdom, and faith.

Bright and sunny daffodils are a fitting birth month flower for March when we begin to see the first signs of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

And just as spring represents new beginnings, rebirth, and joy, so do daffodils.

Daisies are the birth month flower for April, coming in a variety of sizes and colors.

These flowers open up at the first sign of sunlight, aptly named "daisy" from the Anglo Saxon "day's eye."

May's birth flower is hawthorn, and according to Robinett, there are almost 300 species of this flower.

"It's most known for its actions on the heart, both physically and energetically," she tells mbg, noting that its less common name, "crataegus" is derived from Greek, kratos for "strength" and akis for "sharp," thanks to its thorns.

The birth flower for June is the rose, which like carnations, also comes in a variety of colors that have different meanings according to the language of flowers.

Robinett tells mbg that this flower is one of the most widely used, accessible, and versatile herbal remedies on earth.

Red roses represent love, orange roses represent passion, and yellow can mean friendship (or jealousy).

Calm and serene, July's birth flower is the water lily, gracefully resting atop fresh water.

These flowers are also known as Nymphaea, which comes from the Greek word nymph, aka a feminine spirit that inhabits rivers and woods.

The brightly colored poppy is August's birth month flower, and it too comes in an array of colors.

Nowadays, poppies are often used to honor those lost in battle, though they have different historical meanings.

Red, for example, represents pleasure, while white is consolation, and yellow is success.

The beautiful purple morning glory can be seen on vines and cascading up garden walls, and it symbolizes affection.

They're aptly named "morning glory" because they open up very early in the day and close up pretty early in the afternoon.

The warm, rich colors of marigolds make them a perfect flower for October, matching those autumnal vibes.

They have an array of meanings, from grief and sorrow to jealousy to love and passion, depending on the context in which they're given.

Chrysanthemums, or "mums," as you've probably heard them called, are aromatic flowers that come in a variety of colors, Robinett says.

And last but not least, the birth month flower for December is the narcissus flower, which includes a variety of hundreds of species (including daffodils, actually).

Whether you relate to your given flower or are just looking for a great gift option for someone's big day, knowing about birth flowers can certainly come in handy.

From their rich symbolism to their beauty to their soothing properties, it's no wonder bouquets of flowers have stood the test of time as the perfect presents.