Did you know every month comes with its own designated flower? It’s been a tradition for centuries, and it’s seriously intriguing and enlightening. These blooms have rich histories, from ancient myths to important cultural traditions, that explain why they’re linked to each individual month. So they’re more than just gorgeous to look at; they’re storytellers in bloom. At Conklyn’s Florist in Alexandria, Virginia, we’re here to share the history and meaning behind your birth flower — because these stories deserve to be told.

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, with roots in the Mediterranean, have been favorites since Ancient Rome and Greece, where they were used in all kinds of celebrations and coronations. The name’s origin is debated, but most connect it to the Greek word dianthus, which in English means “flower of the gods.” Snowdrops, meanwhile, are famous for pushing through the snow to bloom in winter (European folklore treasures them for this). Finally, a Christian story says they were created by an angel to give the gift of hope to Adam and Eve.

February: Violet, Iris

Violets were a big deal in Ancient Greece, where their heart-shaped petals made them emblems of love and fertility — and a key ingredient in love potions! Centuries later in the Victorian era, violets were still ambassadors of romance in art and literature. Irises were given their name to pay homage to Iris, the Greek goddess of rainbows, who connected the heavens and the earth, the gods with mortal beings. In Ancient Egypt, these gorgeous blooms symbolized the same spiritual connection between humans and the divine.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils have some major mythology behind them. In Greek legend, they’re tied to Narcissus, the son of a river god named Cephissus, who fell in love with his reflection and shut everything else out. A daffodil supposedly grew where he unfortunately drowned. Per Welsh myth, though, daffodils are a lucky charm — being the first person to see one bloom is said to bring a year’s worth of wealth and good fortune. Jonquils, which are part of the Narcissus family, lean into the romance side of things, with their multiple blossoms and sweet scent.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies got their name from the Old English phrase “day’s eye” because they open when the sun rises. They were also a favorite of Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. Some experts think daisies could be thousands of years old, since images of them have been found on seriously ancient stone carvings. Sweet peas, meanwhile, were introduced to Europe by a 17th-century Sicilian monk, Franciscus Cupani, and became a French wedding gifting tradition for bringing brides good luck.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley stars in several stories from different cultures and traditions. The Greeks say Apollo used it to soften the ground for nymphs, while Christian stories link it to tears — either Eve’s when she walked out of the garden or Mary’s at the crucifixion. In Celtic mythology, Hawthorn was a festival favorite, especially during Beltane when it served decorative purposes. People also believed it had fairy magic, making it a go-to for protection against bad vibes.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been love’s favorite flower for centuries — Cleopatra herself used them to dazzle Antony by filling rooms with their blooms. Records of their cultivation take us back to ancient China, who did so with gusto, proving their timeless appeal. Honeysuckle’s name comes from the Middle English word “honeysouke,” meaning “honey suck” (which, let’s be honest, is pretty literal). The Druids saw it as an emblem of happiness, while European myths credited it with luck and protection.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Delphinium, or larkspur, gets its moniker from the Greek word delphis (meaning dolphin); the shape of its petals apparently looks like the noses of those smart marine mammals. Other myths say it has connections to a dragon that had deep blue blood, or even the Battle of Troy. The second July birth flower, water lilies, were associated with Ra, the sun god of Ancient Egypt, while Greek myths say they were the flower of water nymphs. According to Buddhism and Hinduism, water lily flowers — also called lotus blooms — are a powerful symbol of enlightenment.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

In Ancient Rome, gladiators didn’t just fight with swords — they wore sword lilies (aka gladiolus) draped around their necks for strength and valor. If they were victorious, the crowd would toss these flowers at them to celebrate their bravery. Over in Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, poppy blooms were connected intimately with sleep and resurrection. Currently, poppies are used to honor and remember those who have passed, especially fallen soldiers.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters got their name from the Greek word that means “star,” and according to legend, they may have actually come from the stars — some say they were made from stardust, while others believe they sprang from the tears of the goddess of stars, Astraea. Morning glory blossoms were powerful symbols in Ancient Egypt, representing rebirth and often appearing on sarcophagi. Aztec and Mayan societies also saw them as powerful, using them in rituals for their supernatural properties.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds are more than just lovely flowers — they carry deep cultural significance. In Central America and Mexico, they’re front and center during Día de los Muertos. After spreading to South Asia into India, they became super popular for Diwali, weddings, and significant religious events. Cosmos flowers are just as special in their own way, with their flawless petal arrangement inspiring their Greek name, kosmos, which means world, harmony, and order. Lore also says that they symbolize universal balance.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums rule autumn, which is why they’ve earned the title “The Queen of Fall Flowers.” Their name is tied to the Greek words anthemon (flower) and chrysos (gold). Peonies, however, come with a side of serious helping of emotional drama. One legend claims the nymph Paeonia was punished by Aphrodite, who couldn’t reign in her jealousy. Another tale says Zeus turned Paeon into the flower to hide the healer from his envious mentor, Asclepius.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Many years before Holly became a meaningful holiday decoration, it was a sacred talisman for the Druids, representing fecundity, eternal life, and protection. They used holly it in spiritual rituals and even made lucky wreaths out of it. And who could forget Narcissus? The man was so mesmerized by his own visage in the water that he literally passed away. When he died, yellow narcissus flowers sprang up in his place.

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on birth flowers, it’s time to make someone’s birthday bloom! Check out Conklyn’s Florist for the perfect arrangement, packed with meaning and beauty.