Autumn brings a mosaic of richly hued colors and its birth flowers are no exception. Nothing says fall like October’s birth flowers, marigold and Cosmos. Since those who celebrate their birthday this month exhibit the qualities these flowers symbolize, consider yourself particularly lucky if you’re an October baby.
In This Healthy Insight:
- Fast facts about the marigold
- What does the marigold symbolize?
- Fast facts about cosmos
- What does cosmos symbolize?
- Famous October Birthdays
- List of birth months and flowers
Fast facts about the marigold
- Marigolds are famous for their intense fall colors of bright orange, red, gold and yellow
- These daisy-like flowers belong to the same family as sunflowers, chrysanthemums and asters
- Marigolds are also known as Calendula and Tagetes
- The Aztecs were the earliest known cultivators who considered the flower sacred, magical and medicinal
- Marigolds continue to be popular in Latin America especially during the Day of the Dead
- Early explorers brought the showy flower back to Spain where its use spread throughout Europe, north Africa and the rest of the globe
- It is thought the name is derived from “Mary’s Gold” since the Virgin Mary’s altar often received these gold-colored flowers instead of gold coins
- Marigolds are also known as “Rose of the Indies” and “The Friendship Flower”
What does the marigold symbolize?
The October birth flower can actually symbolize many things, but due to its most popular vibrant orange color, it has mainly come to symbolize fierce love, passion, optimism, prosperity and creativity.
But it may be surprising that this cheerful flower is associated with the dead too, symbolizing grief over a loved one. This is mainly because marigolds often serve as decorations for household altars and graves during the Day of the Dead in Latin America. Other cultures have adopted the neon orange and yellow hued marigolds for remembrance, representing the rising sun, sunrays or brightly-lit pathways to guide their dearly departed.
Fast facts about cosmos
- Prolific bloomers, cosmos belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico, however they can be found throughout the world especially in the US and Latin America
- Cosmos colors include: Golden yellow, white, pink, magenta, orange, yellow, red, chocolate
- The name cosmos is derived from Greek meaning order and harmony
- Related to that, Spanish priests in Mexico cultivated cosmos in their mission gardens because of its evenly balanced petals
- Adding to its perfect symmetry, it also produces regularly doubled leaves and stems.
- Cosmos have a central disk with petals surrounding it, which is why they’re also sometimes called basket flowers, pompons or spider daises
What does cosmos symbolize?
Due to their orderly nature, they symbolize harmony, joy, balance and serenity. Their many attractive colors and delightful aroma also convey wholeness and peace. Chocolate-colored cosmos flowers specifically say, “I love you more than anyone ever could.” That’s pretty intense so save that for someone extra special!
Because of the association with peace, October birth babies are typically steadfast, even-tempered and stay cool as a cucumber no matter what’s going on around them. They tend to be gentle souls who sweeten your day with care and love.
Famous October Birthdays
- Julie Andrews – October 1, 1935
- Kelly Ripa – October 2, 1970
- Kate Winslet – October 5, 1975
- Bruno Mars – October 8, 1985
- Luciano Pavarotti – October 12, 1935
- Dwight D. Eisenhower – October 14, 1890
- Snoop Dogg – October 20, 1972
- Katy Perry – October 25, 1984
- Bill Gates – October 28, 1955
- Jane Pauley – October 31, 1950
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
Do you have a friend or family member celebrating an October birthday? A colorful bouquet of marigolds or cosmos birth flowers fit the bill. 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 several floral oils. 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.
