Fun fact: Each month has a unique birth flower, and the history behind them is honestly so intriguing. These blossoms have been connected to their months for ages (ancient times in some cases), with rich stories rooted in myths and cultural traditions. So they’re not just pretty — they actually carry deep meaning. At Central Square Florist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, we’re here to uncover the stories behind your birth bloom and why it’s so special. Flowers with tales to tell? We’re here for it!

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Native to the Mediterranean, carnations have been loved since ancient Roman and Greek days, where they played a big role in celebrations and coronations. The name’s origin isn’t totally agreed upon, but it’s often linked to the dianthus, the genus and Greek word for “flower of the gods.” Next, snowdrops (those fearless winter bloomers) have their own special place in European folklore for being brave enough to blossom in the snow. In Christianity, one story tells of an angel turning snowflakes into snowdrops to give Adam and Eve hope.

February: Violet, Iris

Among the ancient Greeks, violets were associated strongly with love and fertility; their heart-shaped petals rendered them perfect for love potions back in the day. The Victorians kept the love story going, using violets in their art and poetry as symbols of romance. Irises, meanwhile, have Iris as their namesake, the Greek rainbow goddess who linked the divine and the mortal, gods and humans. They also had a divine role in Ancient Egypt, symbolizing a bridge between people and the spiritual world.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils get their name from Narcissus, the descendent of Cephissus (a revered river god) who fell so deeply in love with his own reflection that he wasted away and drowned — and a daffodil bloomed in the river where he died. According to Welsh mythology, daffodils have a much better rep: Spotting the first one blossoming in spring is said to bring the lucky viewer an entire year of prosperity. Jonquils, part of the same flower family, take a sweeter turn, symbolizing romance and often growing in clusters of love-filled blooms.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

The name daisy is derived from the Old English saying “day’s eye,” which makes sense since they bloom at sunrise. In Norse myth, these flowers were emblems of Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility. It’s possible that daisies are among the oldest flowers on earth, since they’ve been found in stone carvings that go all the way back for centuries. Sweet peas have their own story — introduced to Europe by a Sicilian monk in the 1600s, they became a symbol of good fortune for newlyweds in France.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

According to Greek mythology, Apollo made sure nymphs didn’t have to walk on rough ground by laying down a blanket of Lily of the Valley. In Christian lore, these flowers are tied to tears — some say they grew where Mary wept at the crucifixion, while others believe they appeared from Eve’s tears when she left Eden. Hawthorn, on the other hand, was a staple in Celtic celebrations, especially Beltane, when the Celts used it for decor. It was also believed to have a connection to fairies, which gave it protective powers.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses and romance go way back — Cleopatra famously would fill her home with their blossoms to show her love for Antony. These flowers have been around for thousands of years, with records of rose cultivation leading back to ancient China. Honeysuckle, which gets its moniker from the Middle English “honeysouke” (basically, “honey suck” in English), was a joy-bringer in Druid culture. Across Europe, honeysuckles were also thought to attract good luck and keep negativity at bay.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Larkspur, also known as delphinium, has a name inspired by dolphins — the Greeks thought its petals looked like a dolphin’s snout. Other Greek myths suggest that the moniker is connected to the Battle of Troy or a blue-blooded dragon. Water lilies were tied to Ra by the Ancient Egyptians, their sun god, while the Greeks believed they were affiliated with mystical water nymphs. In Hindu and Buddhist religions, the water lily (also called the lotus) stands for enlightenment and inner wisdom.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus, also called sword lilies, were more than just pretty flowers in Ancient Roman times — they were gladiator gear! Fighters wore them into the arena for good luck, and if they won their battle, admiring spectators would shower gladiators with these blooms as a sign of respect. Meanwhile, poppies had strong symbolism in Ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Egypt, representing resurrection and sleep. Now, poppies are known as the ultimate flower of remembrance, honoring fallen soldiers.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters literally mean “star” in Greek, which makes sense considering their shape. Some myths say they were made from falling stardust, while others claim they sprouted from the tears of Astraea, the goddess of the stars. Morning glories had their own special meaning in Ancient Egypt, representing rebirth, which is the reason you see them painted on Egyptian sarcophagi. The Mayans and Aztecs also believed in their mystical powers, using them in ceremonies to channel supernatural energy.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds aren’t just bright and beautiful — they’re deeply symbolic, especially in Mexico and Central America, where they’re a key part of Día de los Muertos. After being introduced to India, they became must-haves for Diwali, weddings, and other spiritual celebrations. Cosmos flowers, known for their neat and symmetrical petals, take their name from the Greek word kosmos, which roughly translates to order, harmony, and world. Their perfectly arranged look is said to reflect peace and balance in the cosmos.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, “The Queen of Fall Flowers,” have a name that’s derived from two words in Greek: gold (chrysos) and flower (anthemon). Peonies, though, have a much wilder origin story with tons of drama and emotions. One tale shares that the goddess Aphrodite turned a nymph, Paeonia, into the bloom due to her unchecked jealousy. Another says Zeus had to step in and save Paeon, a talented healer, from his jealous mentor Asclepius — so he made him into a peony.

December: Holly, Narcissus

The Holly tree has been seen as the embodiment of protection, immortality, and fertility since Ancient Celtic times. The Druids used it in sacred ceremonies and wove them into wreaths they wore for luck — long before we started decking the halls with it for Christmas. And then there’s Narcissus, the person who was so obsessed with his own reflection that he forgot to live. According to legend, after he died, yellow narcissus flowers blossomed where he left this realm.

Congrats, you’re officially a birth flower pro! Now, put that knowledge to work and find the perfect birthday bouquet at Central Square Florist. It will be thoughtful, symbolic, and stunning — just like the person you’re celebrating.