Were you aware that every month on the calendar has its own flower? It’s true, and it’s such a cool tradition! These birth blooms have been around forever (like, ancient-times forever) and come with some amazing stories about how they got linked to their designated month. From cultural traditions to mythology, there’s so much meaning behind these petals. At Beneva in Sarasota, Florida, we’re diving deep into the history of birth flowers to give you all the details. Turns out, they have a lot more to say than just “I’m pretty!”

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, native to the Mediterranean, have been popular for centuries, going all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome; people were big on using them in coronations and celebrations. The root of the flower’s name is up for debate, but most people link it to the Greek word dianthus, which means “flower of the gods.” Regarding snowdrops (those fearless little winter flowers), they’re loved for their ability to bloom through snow. According to one Christian story, an angel transformed snowflakes into snowdrops to bring hope to Adam and Eve.

February: Violet, Iris

In Ancient Greek culture, violets represented love and fertility, and their heart-shaped petals made them a go-to for love potions. By the time the Victorian era arrived they were still emblems of love, popping up in art and poetry as an icon of romance. Irises, named after the rainbow goddess Iris, were all about connecting the gods and humans in Greek mythology. And in Ancient Egypt, these stunning flowers carried a similar meaning, bridging the divine and mortal worlds.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Ever wonder why daffodils are linked to Narcissus? In Greek mythology, Narcissus (the river god Cephissus’ son) was the man who fell so hard for his own reflection that he forgot to eat, drink, or move — and eventually, a daffodil bloomed where he drowned in the river. Over in Wales, there’s a cheerier take: Being the first to see a daffodil bloom in spring is supposed to bring a year of prosperity. Jonquils, a cousin of the daffodil, bring a little extra romance to the mix, with their sweet scent and multiple flowers per stem.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

The word “daisy” comes from the Old English term “day’s eye,” which totally makes sense since these little flowers open with the sun. In Norse mythology, they’re connected to Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility. Some folks believe daisies have been around forever — literally — since they’ve been immortalized in ancient stone carvings. Sweet peas, on the other hand, were brought to Europe in the 1600s by a Sicilian monk named Franciscus Cupani. They became a symbol of good luck in marriage, especially in France, where they were gifted to new brides.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Legend has it that Apollo used Lily of the Valley to create a soft path for nymphs to walk on — talk about thoughtful! In Christianity, these flowers were said to have bloomed from Mary’s tears at her son’s crucifixion, though some say they actually came from Eve’s tears when she was leaving the Garden of Eden. Over in Celtic culture, Hawthorn was the go-to plant for Beltane celebrations, often for decorative purposes. It was believed to be connected to the fairy world, which made it a powerful protector.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been all about love for pretty much forever — Cleopatra even filled rooms with these blooms with them to win over Antony’s heart. The Chinese were already cultivating roses thousands of years ago, proving their long-standing appeal. As for honeysuckle, its Middle English name “honeysouke” translates precisely to “honey suck,” which makes sense given the blossom’s sweet nectar. Druids linked honeysuckle to joy, while European legends believed it brought luck and kept bad vibes away.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Delphinium, also called larkspur, gets its name from the word in Greek that means dolphin; the flower’s shape supposedly looks like a dolphin’s nose. Other legends say the bloom came from a slain dragon (that had blue blood!) or that it’s tied to the famous Battle of Troy. Gorgeous water lilies have their own rich history — Ancient Egyptians associated them with the sun god Ra; the Greeks saw them as symbols of water nymphs. In Buddhism and Hinduism, the water lily (aka the lotus) is all about spiritual enlightenment.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus, or sword lilies as they’re often called, were a big deal in Ancient Roman culture. Gladiators wore these flowers around their necks while fighting, and if they won, the crowd would toss gladiolus blooms down to them in celebration. Over in Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia, poppies were the ambassadors of sleep and resurrection. Nowadays, poppies are recognized as symbols of remembrance, and are used to honor fallen soldiers.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters totally live up to their name — it comes from the Greek word for “star,” and some legends even say they were made from stardust that fell into the Earth’s atmosphere. Another myth says asters were born from the goddess Astraea’s tears. Morning glories were highly valued by the Ancient Egyptians, symbolizing rebirth, which explains why they were painted on sarcophagi. Additionally, Mayans and Aztecs saw something sacred in them, using these flowers in rituals for their mystical powers.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

In Mexico and Central America, marigolds are everywhere during Día de los Muertos, symbolizing remembrance and celebration. When they spread to India, they became a staple at Diwali, wedding celebrationss, and religious ceremonies. Meanwhile, cosmos flowers are all about balance — literally! Their name is based on the Greek word kosmos, which translates to order, world, and harmony. With their perfectly arranged petals, they’re said to represent peace and balance throughout the universe.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums totally own the fall season, earning the title “The Queen of Fall Flowers.” Their name comes from two Greek words: chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). Peonies, on the other hand, have some serious drama in their origin stories. One legend says Aphrodite turned the nymph Paeonia into a peony out of jealousy, while another tells how Zeus saved the healer Paeon from his mentor’s envy by transforming him into the flower.

December: Holly, Narcissus

The Holly tree has been an important symbol since ancient Celtic times, symbolizing fertility, protection, and eternal life. Druids thought it was super sacred, using it in ceremonies and even wearing the berries in wreaths for good luck — way before it became a Christmas tradition. And then there’s Narcissus, the original selfie addict. According to mythology, he got so lost in his own reflection that he passed away, and in his place, yellow narcissus flowers bloomed (we bet that sounds familiar).

Who knew birth flowers had so much history? Now that you do, make your next birthday gift extra special with a bouquet from Beneva. Each bloom is picked and designed with love, making it way more than just a pretty arrangement.