When you think of January, you may think of cold mornings, New Year’s resolutions, or forgetting what year it is. But those born in January will be happy to know that their birth month is associated with more than dark days and the promise of a fresh start.
That’s because people born in the first month have not one, but two birth month flowers! The first January birth flower is the carnation and the second is the snowdrop. We’re going to explain a bit more about these flowers and what makes them so special.
First January Birth Flower: Carnation
We probably don’t need to tell you that carnations are popular flowers both in the garden and in bouquets. But did you know these flowers are a January birth month flower?
Carnations, also known as clove pinks, are a type of dianthus with lightly ruffled petals and a subtly spicy scent. While they grow as perennials in their native Mediterranean region, they’re often grown as annuals for cut flowers. Their elegant shape and long vase life (these guys can last up to three weeks) make them a favorite among florists and flower lovers alike.
Carnation Meaning and Symbolism
Carnations are seen as symbols of love and distinction. This all falls in line with the genus name of carnations, Dianthus. This word comes from the two Greek words “dios” meaning god, and “anthos” meaning flowers. When you combine these two words, you’ll find that Dianthus means flower of the gods.
Along with generic carnation symbolism, each color of carnation holds the unique and specific meaning described below.
- Deep red: deep and passionate love
- Light red: admiration and longing
- Pink: gratitude
- White: purity, innocence, and sweetness
- Yellow: disappointment and rejection
The carnation also is closely tied to Mother’s Day and motherly love. This symbolism all started in 1908 with Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day. After Anna’s mom died, she organized a memorial service at her home church in West Virginia as a way to commemorate all mothers. Since Anna couldn’t attend the service in person, she sent 500 white carnations (her mother’s favorite flower) to be distributed to all the mothers in attendance. Since then, people have viewed carnations as symbols of Mother’s Day and a mother’s love. Today, white carnations celebrate deceased mothers, while pink carnations honor living mothers.
Christian lore also makes the carnation a symbol of a mother’s love. Some people say that the Virgin Mary shed tears as she watched her son Jesus carry his cross. When her tears hit the ground, carnations sprang up in their place.
Popular Carnation Varieties
Carnations come in a wide variety of flower colors and sizes. Plant breeders have selected carnations based on flower color, fragrance, vase life, and more. That means you can find a carnation that fits just what you’re looking for. If you don’t know where to start, consider some of the popular types listed below.
- Jeanne Dionis: a white carnation with full ruffled petals and a strong scent
- Beniga: white petals with edges that look like they’ve been hastily painted with fuschia ink
- Grenadin King of Blacks: deep purple flowers that almost appear black from a distance
- Etincellant: a bright red flower that clearly speaks to passionate romance
- La France: light pink carnations with a wonderfully spicy fragrance
Carnation Fun Facts
Along with being the birth flower for January, carnations are also the flower of the first-year wedding anniversary. So, if you want to stick with tradition, make sure to give your partner a carnation bouquet a year after you say “I do.”
While the birthday and anniversary symbolism is a relatively new phenomenon, people have been cultivating carnations for thousands of years. In fact, historians believe that carnations were some of the first flowers that humans intentionally grew. Ancient Greeks and Romans planted these flowers in their gardens more than 2,000 years ago.
Most everyone knows carnations are popular cut flowers, but not everyone knows they’re edible. Although the petals don’t have much of a strong flavor, you can use them to decorate cakes, cookies, salads, and more.
Second January Birth Flower: Snowdrop
The second January birth month flower is the delicate snowdrop. This bulb flower emerges in the winter or early spring, reminding us that winter won’t last forever. There are about twenty different species of snowdrops, but they all feature two or three slender green leaves and a skinny green stem topped with a white, bell-shaped flower.
Although snowdrops are native to areas in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, people grow them in cool climates throughout the world. They’re often grown in outdoor gardens, but you can also force the bulbs to bloom indoors. Although the white flowers are beautiful, they don’t last long as cut flowers.
Snowdrop Meaning and Symbolism
The snowdrop genus name is Galanthus, which means milk-white flower. Like many white flowers, snowdrops symbolize purity and innocence. Their delicate, nodding blooms make this extra true. However, that’s not their only meaning.
Since snowdrops emerge in the winter when few other flowers are blooming, they’re seen as symbols of rebirth, hope, and perseverance. While the cold weather may seem challenging, snowdrops find a way to break through cold ground—and literal snow—to bloom. That means these flowers are great gifts when someone needs a little bit of encouragement.
Snowdrop Fun Facts
Not only can snowdrops survive cold weather, but they also require it in order to thrive. Snowdrop bulbs must experience temperatures below 20°F before they can bloom. That means they don’t bloom in warm climates but are happy in the cold. This love of cold helps explain why snowdrops are a January birth flower.
Although snowdrops can’t grow in warm areas, you can purchase snowdrop bulbs that have already been exposed to these necessary cold temperatures. When you place these bulbs in a warm and moist area, they’ll begin to sprout and eventually bloom. That means you can grow snowdrops indoors during the winter holiday season.
Popular Snowdrop Varieties
- Common snowdrop: this little variety remains under six inches tall and produces lots of white flowers
- Giant snowdrop: one of the largest snowdrop species with leaves that can grow up to 16 inches tall
Flowers for Every Occasion
If someone asks you, “What is the January birth month flower?” you’re ready to answer! Both the carnation and snowdrop can help January babies recognize and celebrate their birthdays. If you’d like to learn about the flowers tied to other months, check out our article covering all birth month flowers.
Once you’ve figured out the flower that corresponds with your loved ones’ birthday, it’s time to order them a farm-fresh carnation bouquet! We also have a wide variety of bouquets available for easy birthday flower delivery, so the hardest part will be choosing which arrangement to order.
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