As the festivities draw to close and we begin to settle in to another new year, January’s babies are celebrating a new year of their own. As the days are still short, the nights long and the weather cold – it is important to make January babies feel cherished in this month that often feels as though it drags on for the length of two.
January’s birthday flowers are carnations and snowdrops. Two very different flowers but both absolutely gorgeous!
Carnations
One of the moment popular flowers and cut stems in a florist shop, Carnations are in fact so popular that they are the second most sold flower after roses, and it is easy to see why. With their delicate petals and ruffled edges and range of colours, they add elegance and grace to any arrangement and as they come in virtually every shade of the rainbow, there’s one to suit everyone.
Their Latin name, Dianthus Caryophillus, originates from the Greek ‘Dios’ meaning God, and ‘Anthos’ meaning flower – translating to make them the ‘Flower of the Gods’. The Greeks and Romans first cultivated the flower over 2,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world!
Carnations are thought to symbolise love, captivation and distinction. They have also been associated with Christianity – it was believed that Carnations sprung from the ground where Mary’s tears fell as she watched Jesus carry the cross.
Snowdrops
A cherished flower that blooms when not much else does, Snowdrops recognisable by their bowed heads of white bells are one of the earliest signs of life reawakening beneath the ground after another winter. They tend to spring up in large groups, making for a beautiful spectacle each year.
They take their name from the Greek ‘Galanthus’, translating to ‘Milk Flower’ – this one doesn’t need much explaining! Despite being one of the UK’s most recognisable flowers, there are over 2,500 varieties of Snowdrop. They are thought to symbolise purity, spring and religion.
Though an immensely popular flower, it is actually illegal to collect or uproot Snowdrop bulbs in the wild in many countries, including the UK.
