Winter Birth Flowers
Birth flowers date back to the Roman Empire (when birthdays started to be celebrated). Part of their birthday celebrations included decorating the altars of Gods with special flowers. Each month is associated with two unique birth flowers, and once you learn the flowers you can specialize any birthday bouquet by including these special blooms!
The December birth flowers are Narcissus (also known as Paperwhites) and Holly.
Narcissus (Paperwhites): Native to the Mediterranean region, the Romans were among the first to cultivate these delicate, sweet smelling blooms. Their name, ‘Narcissus,’ stems from the myth of Narcissus about a young hunter who becomes so infatuated with his own reflection in a pool of water that he dies gazing at himself. Upon his death, he is transformed into a beautiful flower- the ‘Narcissus.’ Like Amaryllis, Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs are easy to force indoor blooming making them a festive flower for the holidays. They symbolize innocence, purity, beauty and rebirth. The gift of a bouquet of Paperwhites symbolizes adoration and pure love.
Holly: Holly was originally a popular and sacred gift in the Roman celebration Saturnalia (which honored the god Saturn and the winter solstice). The Christians transformed this celebration into Christmas and kept the Romans’ botanical associations (like pine trees and Holly). Holly symbolizes luck, protection, peace, and good will.
The January birth flowers are the Carnation and the Snow Drop.
Carnation: The Carnation possibly earned its name from the Latin “carnis” or “flesh” because early, wild varieties of carnations were pink. Some say its name comes from “coronation” since the flower was often used in ancient Greek coronation crowns. The scientific name for the Carnation is ‘Dianthus’ – from the ancient Greek “dios” and “anthos” translating to “flower of the Gods.” The Carnation symbolizes royalty, fascination, distinction, and love.
Snow Drop: Snow drops are an early blooming flower, often poking up through the late winter snow hence the name “snow drop.” The sweet little flowers symbolize hope, purity, renewal and rebirth.
The February birth flowers are the Violet and the Primrose.
Violet: “Violet” comes from the Latin “viola” meaning “purple.” The violet can symbolize modesty, humility, and passion. Violets are also associated with the lesbian and sapphic love, as the Ancient Greek poet Sappho referenced violets in her poetry. She writes, “Many crowns of violets, roses and crocuses…together you set before more and many scented wreaths made from blossoms around your soft throat…with pure, sweet oil…you anointed me, and on a soft, gentle bed…you quenched your desire…no holy site…we left uncovered, no grove…” In 1927, Bourdet’s broadway play “The Captive” included a scene where a woman sent a bouquet of violets to her lover. The flower became known as the “lesbian flower,” and queer women would wear violets on their lapels as a signal.
Primrose: Primrose comes from the the Latin “primus ” or “first,” as it is the “first rose” to bloom in early spring. In Scottish and Irish folklore, if you sprinkled primroses across your doorway it was supposed to protect the home against evil faeries and primroses in the cowshed would stop the faeries from stealing your milk. Another legend says if you want to see a fairy, eat a primrose. Primroses are edible; however, most plants purchased from nurseries or grocery stores will have toxic pesticides on the blooms and leaves. The primrose symbolizes youth, eternal love, and renewal.
