Violets and Primrose are the birth month flowers for February.
They are two flowers with different origins and symbolize a variety of meanings.
These flowers symbolize concepts such as love, faithfulness, spring, the renewal of life, and even the maternity of the Virgin Mary.
This quick guide will discuss the symbolic meaning behind Violets and Primroses, what they mean when given as gifts, their basic information, significance in history, and other meanings.
February Birth Flower 1: Violets
Scientific Name: Viola spp.
Native Range: Various regions across the Northern Hemisphere
Other Common Names: Blue Violet, Wild Violet, Confederate Violet
Blooming Season: Early spring to summer
Violets are one of the most distinct-looking flowers primarily because of their color.
Their commonly violet/purple petals are hard to miss against a background of green leaves.
However, despite the name, they can bloom in a wide range of colors including:
- White
- Yellow
- Blue
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple
- Red
The flower typically has five petals with the bottom petal having a different appearance.
These perennial plants also have heart-shaped leaves that are hard to miss.
Violets can thrive in either full sunlight or partial shade, with some varieties tolerating full shade.
They need regular watering and do well when planted in well-draining, humus-rich soil.
The ideal soil pH level should be slightly acidic to normal for the best growth.
They also need temperatures that lean towards the cool side, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
While they are winter-hardy perennials, harsher frost conditions will cause their leaves to die.
Fun Facts About Violets:
- Violets are used in making tea, candied flowers, and syrup.
- They are also used as salad garnishes.
- They have been cultivated throughout multiple historical eras.
- Despite their name, Violets can come in many colors including white and yellow.
Violets Throughout History
Violets have roots in many civilizations and cultures throughout history.
Their significance has spread from Greek mythology to the Victorian Era and the present day.
Ancient Civilizations
The Greeks believed that Violets came from the goddess Artemis.
Her nymph friends swore to remain maidens for their whole lives but were relentlessly pursued by her brother Apollo.
To save them from her brother, Artemis turned them into Violet flowers, leading to their admiration and reverence by the Ancient Greeks.
Another myth attributes the flowers to the tears of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
Violets were also prominent in Rome.
The Romans used them in their festivals, medicines, funerals, and food.
They also scattered them on children’s graves as they represented modesty.
Additionally, due to a Roman myth regarding Violet juice and the god Eros, Violets were used to make love potions.
In Western Asia, Violets were used by the Persians as a cure for headaches.
Middle Ages
During this period, Violets were used as traditional medicine for treating conditions like skin diseases and digestion problems.
Monasteries grew them in their gardens for ornamental purposes.
Monks also called them the “Herb of the Trinity” due to their primary colors.
Renaissance
During the Renaissance, Violets became a symbol of love, modesty, and faithfulness.
They featured prominently in art and literature.
Between the Renaissance and the Victorian Era, Napoleon Bonaparte loved Violets so much that when his wife Josephine died, he covered her grave with Violet petals.
William Shakespeare also represented Violets in many of his plays such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hamlet.”
Victorian Era
Victorian-era people believed the Violet symbolized humility and fortune.
They also believed that wearing Violets would ward off any evil spirits.
Some wore Violets on their heads to prevent drunkenness or sober up faster.
They were often included in floral arrangements due to their unique and beautiful appearance.
The art and literature of the Victorian era portrayed Violets as symbols of love and affection.
They were also used as an ingredient in perfumes due to their sweet fragrance.
Symbolism of Violets
Violets have symbolized many things throughout history.
These meanings can differ depending on the color of the bloom as well.
Religious Connotations
During the 1100s, Saint Bernard once described the Virgin Mary as “the violet of humility,” alluding to Violets as a sign of modesty and humility.
Renaissance-era religious paintings feature the Virgin Mary carrying a baby Jesus Christ in her arms with Violets, symbolizing her modesty.
Violets are also associated with Mary because of stories that Violets first bloomed when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus Christ.
Concepts That Different Colored Violets Represent
Violets come in many colors but the four most common colors are purple, yellow, blue, and white.
Here are the different meanings associated with each color:
- Purple: Devotion, Loyalty, Deep Love
- Yellow: High Worth, Goodness, Happiness
- Blue: Love, Faithfulness
- White: Innocence, Humility, Purity, Chastity
February Birth Flower 2: Primrose
Scientific Name: Primula spp.
Native Range: North America
Other Common Names: Common Primrose, Pink Evening Primrose, English Primrose
Blooming Season: Early to mid-spring, sometimes blooms in fall or winter
Primrose flowers are perennials that are early bloomers and known for their vibrant colors.
They typically bloom in shades of yellow, red, blue, pink, and white.
Their leaves are arranged in rosettes with the flowers being clustered in tubular form.
The whole plant can grow between 4 to 12 inches tall.
Similar to Violets, they require partial shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil.
This makes them ideal for woodland gardens, rock gardens, and borders.
Interesting Facts About Primrose:
- Primrose Day is celebrated in the UK every April 19th since Prime Minister Disraeli loved the flowers.
- William Shakespeare used the phrase “the primrose path” in Hamlet, meaning taking the easy way out of a hard situation.
- Their genus name Primulais derived from primus, the Latin word for “first,” fitting as they are among the first flowers to bloom in spring.
- Primroses are seen as good luck in some parts of the world.
What Does It Mean to Give a Primrose?
Giving a primrose to someone can symbolize that you love and value them.
In fact, the primrose symbolizes young love.
In the Victorian era, giving a primrose via the language of flowers was similar to implying: “I can’t live without you.”
A Look at Primrose Through the Eyes of History
Primrose has picked up many meanings throughout its rich history and has been used in different ways depending on the culture or civilization.
Ancient History
The Greeks and Romans used Primrose for medicinal purposes, including treating skin and respiratory problems.
16th and 17th Centuries
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Primrose flowers became synonymous with spring and the renewal of life in Europe.
They were prominent in many artworks and pieces of literature.
Ancient Beliefs and Cultural Significance
Primroses in large patches were seen by the ancient Celts as a gateway to the fairy realm.
Additionally, if you ate a primrose flower, you would see a fairy.
Another ancient belief was that primroses could ward off evil spirits, providing protection, safety, and love to anyone who wore them.
For some cultures, the primrose flower represented a woman, with each petal symbolizing each stage of a woman’s life.
Primrose’s Other Uses
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Primrose was also used as an ingredient in various dishes like teas and salads.
Similar to Violets, they are edible and mildly sweet.
They are also used in some ointments for cuts, burns, and other skin ailments.
In modern facial care, primroses are used to prevent pimples and wrinkles.
By understanding the historical, cultural, and symbolic significance of Violets and Primrose, you can appreciate why these flowers are perfect for February and make thoughtful, personalized gifts.
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