Monday, December 7, 2009

Birth Month Flowers
























Did you know that every month has a birth flower and that, like birthstones, each one has special meaning? Like people, each birth flower is distinctive – filled with significance and wonderful stories. So whether you’re looking for a creative way to celebrate someone’s birthday, or you would like to add a personal touch to a flower arrangement for any occasion, our Birth Flower Guide will help you find out which flower is uniquely theirs.










JANUARY: CARNATION
Representing pride, beauty, admiration and gratitude, the carnation’s multilayered, feathery soft petals conceal a hardy core – an appropriate paradox for this first-month-of-the-year flower. Originally from Asia, where they’ve been cultivated for the last 2,000 years, today this winter birth flower is a richly colorful and fragrant gem.

 

FEBRUARY: IRIS

It should come as no surprise that the iris's three upright petals symbolize faith, valor and wisdom. With its majestic purple hues and soaring slender stem, this dignified and graceful February birth flower dates back to Ancient Greece, when Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow (the Greek word for Iris), acted as the link between heaven and earth.


MARCH: DAFFODIL


When the bright yellow daffodil pokes through late winter's ground, it's like a long-awaited friend returning home and a birth flower anyone would be proud to call their own. Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, particularly when presented in an abundant bouquet, daffodils promise happiness and joy.


APRIL: DAISY


Legend has it that the daisy originated from a nymph who transformed herself into a charming but unassuming wildflower to escape unwanted attention. Epitomizing childlike joy and playfulness, this April birth flower captures the essence of spring’s happy-go-lucky, forever-young attitude.


MAY: LILY


Lilies were so revered by the ancient Greeks that they believed they sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods. Long tied to the Virgin Mary, the white Madonna lily represents virtue, while the lily of the valley conveys sweetness and humility. In the language of flowers, this May birth flower expresses purity of heart, majesty and honor.


JUNE: ROSE


Long a symbol of love and passion, the rose is rich with history and meaning. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, presented a rose to Eros, and Cleopatra lured Mark Antony with a room knee-deep in rose petals. Though each color offers a distinct meaning - and the number of stems offers a singular message - this June birth flower signifies beauty and perfection.


JULY: DELPHINIUM


With its lush, dolphin-shaped flowers, the aptly named delphinium - or larkspur - symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment. Also signifying a feeling of lightness and levity, the gentle hues and refreshing fragrance of this summer birth flower give it a refreshing and distinctive natural beauty.


AUGUST: GLADIOLA


Gladiola, the August birth flower, represents strength and moral integrity - not surprising when you consider that its name comes from the Latin word for sword, “gladius.” But while its sword-shaped stems may imply Roman gladiators, its romantic flowers are capable of piercing a heart with their beauty - explaining why infatuation is another one of its meanings as well.


SEPTEMBER: ASTER


With their lush texture, rich hues and wildflower beauty, it's easy to see why asters have had a long association with magical powers. In ancient times, it was believed that when aster leaves burned, their perfume could drive away evil. Today, this autumn birth flower is known as a talisman of love and an enduring symbol of elegance.



OCTOBER: MARIGOLD


With their rich, autumn-colored hues, marigolds are the quintessential October birth flower. Early Christians called marigolds Mary’s Gold, and placed it by statues of the Virgin Mary. Brilliant and colorful, with a late-harvest warmth and a broad open bloom, marigolds signify affection and grace.



NOVEMBER: CHRYSANTHEMUM


Chrysanthemums, a symbol of the sun, have held many noble positions in ancient cultures. The Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of their petals to represent perfection, and Confucius suggested they be used as an object of meditation. Signifying optimism and happiness, it’s said that a single petal of this November birth flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life.



DECEMBER: POINSETTIA


Also known as the Christmas flower, legend has it that poinsettias began as a humble weed. When a little girl - with no means for a grander gift - placed weeds on a church alter, they turned into brilliant red blooms. Symbolizing good cheer and merriment, this December birth flower is a fitting tribute to December’s joyful celebrations.

















































Birthstones for Each Month





On this Step, you will find a list of birthstones for each month of the year.
They say when you are wearing your birthstone in any kind of jewelry; it will bring success into your life.
Every birthstone has a symbol and each one symbolizes a different type of success.
There are 12 birthstones in the birthstone categories and the 12 birthstones are usually gemstones.






January (Capricorn & Aquarius): Garnet

A garnet is a deep red gem. A garnet is a symbol of purity and truth. It also symbolizes faithfulness and a brilliant friendship
You can find garnets in rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces. A garnet is in great demand and it's not that expensive.




February (Aquarius & Pisces): Amethyst

It's a beautiful purple gem, with lighter shades of purple. The amethyst symbolizes royalty, protection and the power to overcome difficulty.
You can get them in rings, which have different shapes like an African leaf, or in a heart shape, flora (meaning a flower shape) and many more.




March (Pisces & Aries):: Aquamarine

This birthstone is a very light blue, like ice blue or a light sea blue. This gemstone symbolizes courage, friendship and faithfulness.




April (Aries & Taurus): Diamond


Diamonds are very beautiful gemstones and almost every girl has a diamond ring in her wardrobe. Women like diamonds in rings.
Diamonds are a symbol of everlasting love and the ideal gift for a loved one. You can get diamonds in every shape and color you can think of.







May (Taurus & Gemini): Emerald :
An emerald birthstone is a greenish gem. It's a symbol of wisdom, growth and patience. Emeralds are usually combined with diamonds or other stones.
Don't get confused by an emerald cut and an emerald birthstone




June (Gemini & Cancer): Pearl :
Pearls are a treasure from the sea. They come in different colors like light pink, black & white and more. Pearls are a classic gem, and can be worn by any girl on any occasion.




July (Cancer & Leo): Ruby


Rubies are fiery red and represents love and passion. It brings success to the one who is wearing a ruby stone.




August (Leo & Virgo): Peridot :


This gem is almost a lime green. It represents vitality, host magical powers and it will bring you a wonderful and happy year




September (Virgo & Libra): Sapphire Lolite

This is a deep intense blue gem. It symbolizes holiness and spirituality.





October (Libra & Scorpio):


Opal pink tourmaline A multi-color gem. It represents hope, innocence and purity.





November (Scorpio & Sagittarius):
Citrine It is a golden sunrise color gem. It represents cheerfulness, harmony and optimism.







December (Sagittarius & Capricorn): Blue topaz turquoise:


It almost has the same color than the March birthstone and represents loving and care




It is believed that birthstones are important to achieve any type of success, and when you are wearing a birthstone, it shows that you have the confidence to achieve all of your goals.


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