Although February is known for Valentine’s Day, the symbol of love – the red rose – is actually not this month’s birth Flower. February’s birth flowers are the violet and primrose.
In This Healthy Insight:
- What are the uses of violet?
- What does the violet symbolize?
- What are the uses of primrose?
- What does the primrose symbolize?
- Famous February Birthdays
- List of birth months and flowers
What are the uses of February’s Birth Flowers violet?
First cultivated by the ancient Greeks around 500 BC, violets (Viola) are extremely popular throughout the world. There are now more than 500 species, all displaying a delicate bell-shaped flower. Originally violets were named for their purple-blue petals, but they can also be found in white, yellow or cream. In the United States violets grow wild from the East Coast to the Midwest and they are the state flower for Rhode Island, Illinois, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
Violet’s light sweet fragrance has been used for hundreds of years to enhance mood and atmosphere and weaken unpleasant odors (think bathroom air freshener). Violets have also been a go-to herbal remedy for respiratory, skin and sleep issues. The violet is sign of good fortune and can increase focus and mindfulness. There’s more than meets the eye with this tiny, eye-catching flower!
What does the violet symbolize?
No doubt you’ve heard the expression “shrinking violet,” a classic symbol of shyness and modesty. The Greeks believed violet was the flower of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and it was used as an ingredient in love potions. It’s associated with faithfulness, truth, loyalty and affection. The violet has roots in Christianity as it represents the purity and modesty of the Virgin Mary and is featured in many religious works of art.
By giving someone a violet you’re letting them know you’re a faithful friend and will always be there for them.
What are the uses of primrose?
It seems like the primrose should be related to the rose, but it isn’t. Primroses are from the Primulaceae family, while roses are from the botanical family of Rosaceae. The name primrose originates from the Latin word primus, which means “first” or “early,” very appropriate for this early-flowering springtime plant. The primrose most often blooms in yellow, but it can also be white, red, pink, purple or brown.
You can trace primrose’s origin of being a February birth flower to Freya, the goddess of love in Norse mythology.
The primrose was used in herbal medicine for various ailments including speech, dizziness and mobility. Since it’s edible it’s also been used as an ingredient in soups, salads and wines.
What does the primrose symbolize?
The phrase, “walking down the primrose path” means leading a happy life of pleasure and love. In fact, the primrose lets someone know you can’t live without them! It represents young love, first love, undying affection, purity and honesty. Colors make a difference too. Purple primroses symbolize confidence and red show appreciation. Giving someone a bouquet of primroses mean you really, really care about them.
Famous February Birthdays
- Frederick Douglass – Feb. 1, 1818
- Lisa Marie Presley – Feb. 1, 1968
- Rosa Parks – Feb. 4, 1913
- Garth Brooks – Feb. 7, 1962
- Chris Rock – Feb. 7, 1965
- Ashton Kutcher – Feb. 7, 1978
- Thomas Edison – Feb. 11, 1846
- George Washington – Feb. 22, 1732
- Elizabeth Taylor – Feb. 27, 1932
- Dinah Shore – Feb 29, 1916
List of birth months and flowers
Plan ahead with a thoughtful bouquet for friends and family this year using the following guide.
- January: Carnation and Snowdrop
- February: Violet and Primrose
- March: Daffodil and Jonquil
- April: Daisy and Sweet Pea
- May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
- June: Rose and Honeysuckle
- July: Larkspur and Water Lily
- August: Gladiolus and Poppy
- September: Aster and Morning Glory
- October: Marigold and Cosmos
- November: Chrysanthemum and Peony
- December: Narcissus and Holly
If you have a loved one celebrating their birthday in February it may be challenging to find a gift that doesn’t compete with your Valentine’s Day gift. The solution? A bouquet of violet and primrose birth flowers. It’s personal, unique and meaningful. You can’t go wrong!
For thousands of years flowers have been used to express feelings, complement a garden, heal various health conditions, or add fragrance to the air. Aromatherapy using floral and essential oils is enormously popular and Botanic Choice carries a huge array of them for many occasions, including violet floral oil. Whether you’re looking to create a calm, energizing or seasonal atmosphere, you’re sure to find the perfect scent right here. Check out our aromatherapy today!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.
