The tradition of assigning gemstones and flowers to each month of the year is a rich and enduring practice that continues to be celebrated in modern times. These associations carry deep historical, cultural, and symbolic meanings, and they have evolved over centuries through various traditions and interpretations. From the biblical references to the formalization of birthstones in the 19th and 20th centuries, the system has become a global phenomenon, with each month represented by a unique gemstone and flower. This article explores the origins, meanings, and significance of the birthstones and birth flowers for each month, drawing from the most widely accepted traditions in the United States and Britain.
The Origins and Evolution of Birthstones and Birth Flowers
The idea of associating gemstones with the months of the year can be traced back to ancient times. One of the earliest known references to this practice appears in the biblical Book of Exodus, which describes the twelve stones on the breastplate of the High Priest. These stones were believed to represent the twelve tribes of Israel and were thought to possess protective and spiritual powers. Over time, these associations were expanded to include the twelve zodiac signs and eventually the months of the year.
The modern system of birthstones was formalized in the 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by European traditions and the growing interest in mineralogy. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) published a standardized list of birthstones to help jewelers provide consistent information to their customers. This list has since been updated to reflect the availability of certain gemstones and the cultural and symbolic meanings associated with them.
Similarly, the concept of birth flowers has its roots in ancient traditions and evolved into the Victorian language of flowers, or "floriography," in the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, flowers were used to convey messages and emotions that could not be easily expressed in words. Each flower was assigned a specific meaning, and the practice became a subtle yet powerful means of communication, especially in a society where direct expressions of emotion were often considered immodest.
The association of flowers with the months of the year is based on their blooming seasons and cultural significance. In many cases, the flowers chosen for each month reflect the natural environment and the symbolic meanings that have been assigned to them over time. For example, the narcissus is the birth flower for December and is often associated with prosperity, success, and protection. This connection is rooted in both the flower’s blooming season and its historical use in talismans and charms.
January: Garnet and Carnation
The birthstone for January is garnet, a gemstone known for its deep red color, though it can also occur in a range of other colors, including green, yellow, and orange. Garnet is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been used in jewelry and talismans for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was believed to offer protection and was often carried by travelers to ensure safe passage. Garnet is also associated with vitality, courage, and strength, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in January.
The birth flower for January is the carnation, a hardy flower that blooms in the cold winter months. Carnations are known for their durability and are often associated with admiration, love, and loyalty. In Victorian floriography, carnations were used to convey messages of affection and respect. The flower’s ability to thrive in the coldest seasons makes it a symbol of resilience and endurance. When paired with garnet, the combination of these symbols reinforces the idea of strength and protection during the winter months.
February: Amethyst and Violet (or Primrose)
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a purple gemstone that has long been associated with calmness, clarity, and spiritual wisdom. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family and is known for its beautiful color range, from light lavender to deep purple. In ancient times, it was believed that amethyst could protect against intoxication and promote sobriety, a belief that has persisted in various forms throughout history. Amethyst is also associated with balance and emotional stability, making it a popular choice for those seeking inner peace.
The birth flower for February is the violet or primrose, both of which are delicate and elegant flowers that bloom in the early spring. Violets are often associated with modesty, faithfulness, and spiritual wisdom, while primroses are linked to hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings. In Victorian floriography, violets were used to express the idea of faithfulness and were often given as a symbol of enduring love. The combination of amethyst and violet or primrose reinforces the themes of spiritual clarity and emotional renewal that are associated with the early months of the year.
March: Aquamarine and Daffodil (or Jonquil)
The birthstone for March is aquamarine, a blue gemstone that is often described as the "stone of the sea." Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and is known for its calming and protective properties. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was often carried by sailors to ensure safe passage across the ocean. Aquamarine is also associated with courage, serenity, and communication, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in March.
The birth flower for March is the daffodil or jonquil, both of which are bright and cheerful flowers that signal the arrival of spring. Daffodils are associated with new beginnings, happiness, and self-worth, while jonquils are linked to friendship and joy. In Victorian floriography, daffodils were used to express the idea of unrequited love, while jonquils were given to celebrate friendship and companionship. The combination of aquamarine and daffodil or jonquil reinforces the themes of renewal and optimism that are associated with the early spring months.
April: Diamond and Daisy
The birthstone for April is diamond, the hardest natural substance on Earth and one of the most prized gemstones in the world. Diamond is a symbol of strength, purity, and eternal love. It has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and is often associated with engagement rings and other symbols of commitment. In addition to its physical properties, diamond is also believed to promote clarity of thought, self-confidence, and inner strength. It is a fitting birthstone for those born in April, as it represents both beauty and resilience.
The birth flower for April is the daisy, a simple yet elegant flower that is often associated with innocence, purity, and love. In Victorian floriography, daisies were used to express the idea of true love and were often given as a symbol of affection and admiration. The daisy’s bright white petals and yellow center make it a symbol of purity and new beginnings. When paired with diamond, the combination reinforces the themes of purity, strength, and enduring love that are associated with the spring months.
May: Emerald and Hawthorn
The birthstone for May is emerald, a green gemstone that has long been associated with fertility, growth, and renewal. Emerald is a member of the beryllium family and is known for its rich green color, which is caused by the presence of chromium or vanadium. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was highly valued in ancient Egypt, where it was believed to bring good fortune and protection. Emerald is also associated with love, balance, and harmony, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in May.
The birth flower for May is the hawthorn, a flowering plant that is often associated with protection, love, and fertility. In Victorian floriography, hawthorn was used to express the idea of "I am faithful," and it was often given as a symbol of enduring love. The hawthorn is also known as "Mary’s Flower of May," as it is associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition. The combination of emerald and hawthorn reinforces the themes of love, fertility, and renewal that are associated with the early summer months.
June: Pearl and Rose
The birthstone for June is pearl, a natural gemstone that is formed within the soft tissue of mollusks. Pearls are known for their luster, smoothness, and iridescence, and they have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. In ancient times, pearls were believed to be the tears of the gods or the embodiment of purity and wisdom. They are also associated with innocence, grace, and feminine beauty. The combination of pearl and rose reinforces the themes of love, beauty, and emotional depth that are associated with the summer months.
The birth flower for June is the rose, one of the most iconic and beloved flowers in the world. Roses are associated with love, passion, and beauty, and they have been used in art, literature, and symbolism for centuries. In Victorian floriography, different colors of roses were used to convey different messages—red for love, white for purity, and yellow for friendship. The rose is also associated with the heart and is often used in romantic and ceremonial contexts. When paired with pearl, the combination reinforces the themes of love, beauty, and emotional depth that are associated with the summer months.
July: Ruby and Larkspur
The birthstone for July is ruby, a red gemstone that is often described as the "king of gemstones." Ruby is a member of the corundum family and is known for its deep red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was highly valued in ancient civilizations, where it was believed to bring good fortune, protection, and vitality. Ruby is also associated with passion, love, and courage, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in July.
The birth flower for July is the larkspur, a tall, delicate flower that is often associated with joy, love, and beauty. In Victorian floriography, larkspur was used to express the idea of "lightness of heart" and was often given as a symbol of happiness and optimism. The flower’s tall, spiky stems and colorful blooms make it a symbol of vitality and energy. When paired with ruby, the combination reinforces the themes of passion, love, and joy that are associated with the summer months.
August: Peridot and Poppy
The birthstone for August is peridot, a green gemstone that is often described as the "sun’s gem." Peridot is a member of the olivine family and is known for its vibrant green color, which is caused by the presence of iron. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was believed to bring good fortune and protection to its wearer. Peridot is also associated with renewal, vitality, and strength, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in August.
The birth flower for August is the poppy, a colorful and vibrant flower that is often associated with remembrance, hope, and renewal. In Victorian floriography, poppies were used to express the idea of "eternal sleep" and were often given in the context of funerals and memorials. The flower’s bright red color and delicate petals make it a symbol of life, death, and rebirth. When paired with peridot, the combination reinforces the themes of renewal, vitality, and hope that are associated with the late summer months.
September: Sapphire and Aster
The birthstone for September is sapphire, a blue gemstone that has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight. Sapphire is a member of the corundum family and is known for its deep blue color, though it can also occur in a range of other colors, including pink, yellow, and green. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was highly valued in ancient civilizations, where it was believed to bring protection and clarity of thought. Sapphire is also associated with loyalty, sincerity, and inner strength, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in September.
The birth flower for September is the aster, a hardy and resilient flower that is often associated with love, patience, and daintiness. In Victorian floriography, asters were used to express the idea of "lasting love" and were often given as a symbol of enduring affection. The flower’s delicate petals and vibrant colors make it a symbol of beauty and resilience. When paired with sapphire, the combination reinforces the themes of love, truth, and spiritual insight that are associated with the late summer and early autumn months.
October: Opal and Marigold
The birthstone for October is opal, a gemstone known for its iridescent colors and unique optical properties. Opal is a hydrated amorphous silicate and is known for its play of colors, which can range from red and blue to green and gold. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was believed to bring good fortune and protection to its wearer. Opal is also associated with creativity, imagination, and emotional depth, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in October.
The birth flower for October is the marigold, a vibrant and colorful flower that is often associated with love, passion, and warmth. In Victorian floriography, marigolds were used to express the idea of "jealousy" and were often given as a symbol of affection and admiration. The flower’s bright yellow and orange color makes it a symbol of joy and vitality. When paired with opal, the combination reinforces the themes of creativity, passion, and emotional depth that are associated with the late autumn months.
November: Topaz and Chrysanthemum
The birthstone for November is topaz, a gemstone known for its clarity, brilliance, and vibrant colors. Topaz is a silicate mineral and can occur in a range of colors, including yellow, blue, pink, and white. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was believed to bring good fortune, protection, and emotional balance to its wearer. Topaz is also associated with strength, wisdom, and clarity of thought, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in November.
The birth flower for November is the chrysanthemum, a vibrant and colorful flower that is often associated with love, joy, and longevity. In Victorian floriography, chrysanthemums were used to express the idea of "cheerfulness" and were often given as a symbol of happiness and optimism. The flower’s bright colors and long blooming season make it a symbol of vitality and renewal. When paired with topaz, the combination reinforces the themes of strength, wisdom, and joy that are associated with the late autumn months.
December: Turquoise and Narcissus
The birthstone for December is turquoise, a blue-green gemstone that has long been associated with protection, healing, and spiritual wisdom. Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper and is known for its beautiful color and unique patterns. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was believed to bring good fortune and protection to its wearer. Turquoise is also associated with calmness, balance, and emotional stability, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in December.
The birth flower for December is the narcissus, a vibrant white or yellow flower that is often associated with prosperity, success, and protection. In Victorian floriography, narcissus was used to express the idea of "self-love" and was often given as a symbol of confidence and self-worth. The flower’s bright colors and strong fragrance make it a symbol of joy and vitality. When paired with turquoise, the combination reinforces the themes of protection, prosperity, and emotional stability that are associated with the winter months.
Conclusion
The tradition of assigning gemstones and flowers to each month of the year is a rich and enduring practice that continues to be celebrated today. These associations carry deep historical, cultural, and symbolic meanings, and they have evolved over centuries through various traditions and interpretations. From the biblical references to the formalization of birthstones in the 19th and 20th centuries, the system has become a global phenomenon, with each month represented by a unique gemstone and flower. These symbols not only reflect the natural world and the seasons but also serve as powerful expressions of identity, emotion, and cultural heritage. Whether used in jewelry, floral arrangements, or personal gifts, the monthly birthstones and flowers offer a meaningful and beautiful way to celebrate the calendar year.