February Birth Flowers: Symbolism and Meaning of Violets and Primroses

February is a time just before new beginnings when the ground is still cold in most places in the U.S. Though many may not have many positive feelings about the frigid air, spring is right around the corner. In a matter of weeks, we will change the clocks and welcome warmer temperatures. Soon, we will begin enjoying the outdoors later and later as the days grow shorter. February is also the birth month for many people. Some of those people know what the February birth flowers are, along with the symbolism and meaning of the violets and primroses.

A Bit About Birth Flowers

Birth flowers have several meanings. They are seen as the flower that is frequently in full bloom during the month of someone’s birth. They also symbolize characteristics of the person who was born in a specific month based on the flower’s symbolism and meaning.

Few flowers grow in the winter months, but primroses, carnations, holly, and violets can be found thriving in appropriate temperatures and sunlight. In summer, roses, waterlilies, and poppies are in the spotlight. During the spring, flowers like daffodils, daisies, sweet peas, and lilies of the valley become prevalent.

Each month has two different flowers that grow best during that time. Most can only survive at that point in the year and will perish if it is too hot or cold. A lot can be read into the meaning and symbolism of birth flowers, but that is up to you to decipher.

Violet: February’s Birth Month Flower

The beautiful and peaceful appearance of violets is coveted by humans and humming birds! They are one of the earliest flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist. The sweet little flowers have an astonishing 400 species around the world. The most common are the blue or purple and blue flowers but many other variations exist. In the U.S., violets are the state flower for New Jersey, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Violet: Symbolism and Meaning

Violets symbolize many feelings and states of mind, but they all come down to represent a person with a calm demeanor and a well-balanced lifestyle. Now, this is not to say that everyone born in the month of February is exactly that, but more, that’s what the viola or violet symbolizes to many. They are said to symbolize faithfulness, everlasting love, innocence, and remembrance. That’s a lot for such a small, timid flower!

During the Victorian Age, violets given as a gift carried a meaning that was always to be true. In Ancient Greece, violets were sought for their medicinal properties and to add a little sweetness to the wine. Another fun fact: violets have heart-shaped petals which were used in Greek love potions. The lovely flowers are believed to provide protection from negativity and evil eyes. Violets also go perfectly with the February birthstone amethyst.

Primrose: February’s Birth Month Flower

Primroses are not related to roses. They belong to the Primula genus, which contains more than 500 species that grow in the northern hemisphere. They stick near the woodline and are native to Europe. These are among the first flowers growing for spring and can come in many different colors, like white, cream, yellow, blue, blue-purple, and red, and can sometimes be multicolored. The flower contains five petals on a stalk, with all of the leaves located near the bottom. The flowers were used in Europe in recipes and as medicine.

Primrose: Symbolism and Meaning

Primrose symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and transformation. In fact, they have some really amazing meanings all over the world. Ancient Celts believed that whenever they came upon a large patch of primroses, it was actually a gateway into the fairy world. It was even believed that if you ate a primrose, you would see a fairy. During the Victorian era, primroses meant “young love.”

Throughout time, a primrose was believed to ward off evil while providing love and protection. Other cultures believed that the flower symbolized a woman’s life, with each petal representing a time in her life. In Norse mythology, the primrose symbolized Freya, the goddess of love.

Iris: February’s Birth Month Flower

In some texts, the iris is mentioned as being the third flower that represents February, in others, it does not. It is mentioned often enough that it needed to be included in this article.

The lovely iris comes from temperate rocky areas in dry or semi-desert climates. They can range anywhere from four inches to four feet tall and prefer to be in the sunlight. There are over 300 species of irises in the world.

The three petals of the flower are believed to represent faith, valor, and wisdom. The flower is also the commonly seen symbol for the fleur de lis. In Greek, the word “iris” translates into “rainbow.” The Greek goddess Iris used rainbows to travel from place to place, delivering messages. This is an appropriate meaning since irises come in a rainbow of colors! The pretty flowers are also Tennessee state flowers. These flowers are toxic to cats and dogs. Be sure to keep them far from their reach.

Iris: Symbolism and Meaning

The iris means nobility, hence why it was so commonly used in Italy and France. In the Language of Flowers, the iris represents gratitude. Different colored irises have different meanings and symbolism. Red flowers symbolize love, while yellow typically represents friendship but can also represent passion, so be careful who you give them. Purple irises are most commonly tied to the birth month of February and mean royalty and wisdom. Blue flowers represent hope and faith, while white stands for purity.