• January: Carnation.

 

Also known as Clove Pink or Gillyflower, the carnation is a symbol for love, fascination, infatuation and distinction. No wonder it was used to make garlands and then worn in coronation ceremonies in Ancient Greece. In fact, its name was derived from Greek and refers to the very same flower-garlands. Its scientific name – Dianthus – suggests that it is the “flower of the gods”. Since ancient times however, a lot has been learned about the carnation – such as the facts that it can be edible and that it has medicinal properties. It has to date also been established as the national flower of Monaco, Spain and Slovenia – talk about “crowning-glory”. Despite its magnificent natural beauty however, it must be noted that it is one of the few flowers in the world capable of being successfully dyed, with specific colours holding special meanings; such as red implying that your heart aches for the recipient, pink suggesting that you will never forget them and any dual-tonal carnation inferring longing.

 

•        FEBRUARY: Violet.

 

With hundreds of known species around the world, Viola Ordata is a symbol not only of faithfulness, humility and chastity but it was also once the symbol of Athens. In fact, it was the people of Athens who first used this magnificent flower in foods, wines and even traditional medicines. It was not only the people of Athens who held it in esteem as Napoleon Bonaparte was infatuated with Violets and was said to have been called “Corporal Violet” by his closest friends. Rather diverse then, not solely in uses, but also colour: such as violet – which signifies a promise to “always be there” and even cream – which is a symbol for taking a chance. The Violet is also known for its lovely smell, which vanishes seemingly after one whiff. This is owed to a chemical contained within the flower that actually desensitizes the nose to its sweet scent. Such a shame.

 

•       MARCH: Daffodil.

 

Often recognized as Jonquil or Narcissus, this particularly pretty flower is usually found in yellow, but can also be spotted in white and even orange. Its scientific name is derived from the Greek legend of a beautiful youth who – for his vanity – was turned into this particular flower by the gods. Another nation that revered its sway was Rome, whose people cultivated it extensively for its supposed “special healing powers”. Since then it has boasted a rich history, becoming a prominent symbol of chivalry in Victorian times and going on to be the national symbol of Wales. In our own modern society, the daffodil is a recognized symbol for 10th wedding anniversaries, but husbands beware – when it is given in bunches it is seen as a symbol of good fortune, and when it is given as a single stem is often noted to be an omen of misfortune. What does it matter, really – because let’s face it: flowers abide by “the more the merrier” rule.

 

•       APRIL: Daisy.

 

Cheerfulness, innocence, purity and beauty are but a few of the many symbolic inferences of the Daisy – which is an excellent thing when considering that it is of one of the largest flower families in the entire world. In fact, it is found naturally on every continent aside from Antarctica, though if anything could thaw that icy tundra’s frozen heart it would certainly be the grace and splendor of a Daisy. Aside from its allure, medicinal value and the fact that it is edible, Bellis Perennis is one of the most ancient recorded flowers in history and is notably and certainly remarkably one of the few flowers in the world that is technically two flowers in one. The observable petals and the center of the Daisy – known as the eye – are in fact two conjoined flowers. How dynamic!

 

•       MAY: Lily.

To give a lily is to impart a message that the recipient fulfills your life. That seems fitting for one of the most beloved ornamental flowers in the world. As a symbol for humility and sweetness, Lilium is a stunning and useful flower, given its Latin derivative for the majestic manner in which it blooms. It is not merely its aesthetic that draws botanists and horticulturalists to it however, as the oils extracted from its flower are often used to treat dry skin. So varied is its kind that around the world it is revered for its symbolism and the metaphors that each species imbues. A Tiger-Lily for instance inspires wealth and majesty, whilst a white lily is often appreciated as a symbol of purity – particularly in Japan. It is then curious to note that of the range, it is only these two lilies that possess a scent. Aroma or not however, every lily is to be cherished for its unique and entrancing beauty.

 

•       JUNE: Rose.

 

“Mon Amour” he whispered softly, as he handed his wife the bouquet of roses. The flower most associated with romance and love and passion is certainly one for the ages, but even as it is used in thousands of perfumes and is considered as the most popular floral-oriented name in the world, it also bares many other hidden significances. Rosa – given its Latin origins – is quite dynamic, as evidenced by its use in skin products and the food industry, as it actually produces a fruit, rich in vitamin C, and is therefore used to sometimes make jellies, jams and even teas. Finding its original significance in Egypt and Rome, it is known that in the latter region the rose was worn in an ornamental fashion around one’s neck and thereby suggested that whatever part of the human-form fell below the rose was considered to be a secret. Its romantic association is often traced back to the former, where the beloved Cleopatra was said to have covered her palace floors in the petals of roses when entertaining – and it is often believed that the romantic notion of layering rose-petals on a bed came from this. But that was four-thousand years ago; today it is the national symbol of England and even the floral emblem of the U.S. as of 1986 – and yet we still retain its ancient imagery with red meaning love and white suggesting the recipient is heavenly; pink is a request of trust and orange a declaration of worthiness.

 

•       JULY: Delphinium.

 

Delphinium Staphisagria or Larkspur, for the more romantically inclined, is a splendid flower which derives its name from its abnormal shape and is named, in fact, after the Greek term for dolphin. Its aesthetic individuality illuminates its metaphorical association with reaching goals, expanding one’s opportunities, an intuition with one’s own emotions and the celebration of all things positive: particularly when gifted, for white holds true with joy and purple implies that whomever receives the flower possess a distinct, sweet disposition. In ancient times and lore, it was more than just an elusive and alluring flower – but rather it was used to protect homes against dangers and threats – particularly those pertaining to scorpions. That is not to suggest that the flower itself is without danger however. The small black seeds contained with the flowers are notoriously poisonous – and yet we still need to cultivate them for ink and dye and the occasional dinner party.

 

•       AUGUST: Gladiolus.

 

Though its ancient name was Xiphium – meaning sword – and its purpose was to be worn by brutal yet honorable Roman gladiators, the Gladiolus is actually a rather tender flower – especially since its name translates to love at first sight. It is for that reason that we can believe that it has become admired as the flower of the 40th wedding anniversary. Associated with strength of character, faithfulness and sincerity the gladiolus appears in a variety of vibrant colours, all of which are known by its shared common and scientific name – because when you have the best, you simply cannot get better. It is a flower that is often used in celebrations and has its honorable origins here in the heart of our home – Southern Africa.

 

•       SEPTEMBER: Aster.

 

Twinkle, twinkle, little Aster. How I wonder how to grow you in my pasture. Named for the Greek word meaning star, an Aster is the twinkle of any gardener’s eye, and every ancient’s pipe as it was smoked to ward off evil spirits. As it holds sway over faith and therefore tenacity, love and therefore passion and even wisdom, it is a flower whose meaning is at the center of all horticulture: “Take care of yourself, for me.” Beauteous and significant for its iconography as the flower of the 20th wedding anniversary, it has also been revered for its small but significant part in history when in the midst of the 20th century every member of the Hungarian Revolution in Budapest was said to be proudly wearing one of these little floral stars. In fact, history often remembers that revolt as “The Aster Revolution”. We ought to thank the Asteracae, for proving that even the smallest of lives can make the biggest of differences.

 

•       OCTOBER: Marigold.

 

Calendula officinalis – meaning little calendar – or Virgin Mary – as it is more commonly known – is a flower that can be traced back to ancient times, where in Greece and Rome alike it was used in rituals and worn as crowns, despite its oft-connoted symbolism of sympathy and sorrow. To this day, to give a marigold is to declare: “My thoughts are with you”. Back then – in 12th century Europe – it was often believed to possess magical properties and was frequently used as a natural dye. Today, we retain some of its ancient usages as it has medicinal value, is still used as a dye, can repel mosquitos and like those who came before us, adorns the necks and wrists of our women as a fragrant perfume – which makes sense considering husbands often give their wives perfume when they are sorry.

 

•       NOVEMBER: Chrysanthemum.

 

As a symbol of cheerfulness and love, to give one of the thirteen different types of chrysanthemums is to acknowledge a very strong bond of friendship. Commonly known as the gold flower, as in gold from chryos and flower from anthos – it actually comes in a wide multitude of vibrant and attractive colours, all of which originated from a species in China. This is then probably where its massive medicinal merits come from, which includes treating sore throats, fevers and itchy eyes – but it is not merely the human condition that the chrysanthemums remedy, as it also heals that which we perpetuate. A surprising NASA study has proven that this flower reduces pollution in the air – one of the few flowers in the world that thusly preserves its own beauty. Talk about standing on your own two roots.

 

•       DECEMBER: Poinsettia.

 

Did you know that it is actually the leaves of the Poinsettia that we are attracted to? The flower is in fact the little yellow, barely noticeable center. It is these leaves that ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs, used for dye. These days however, it is a plant that is avowed as a Christmas-flower – I bet you’ve seen them at the center of a festive table-display before. This is because of those attractive leaves – which have often been seen as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem that led the Wise Men to the birth of Jesus and the colour symbolizes the blood of sacrifice, and it is because of this religious connotation that this flower has become the highest selling potted flower in the world with billions in sales every year. Euphorbia Pulcherrima does not only come in red though, with salmon, yellow and cream also being celebrated. Speaking of celebrations – the Poinsettia is named after Joel Robert Poinsett, who served as an ambassador to Mexico where the Poinsettia is indigenous. It is upon the 12th of December that Poinsettia Day is celebrated in honour of the ambassador and his discovery of the plant and it is throughout the month of December that we decorate our homes with it as we celebrate.