February Birth Flower: Violet
Violets symbolize faithfulness, modesty, and virtue. In Victorian times, they were associated with shyness and delicate love. The purple violet specifically represents loyalty and devotion.
Violets are February's birth flower, beloved for their delicate purple blooms and sweet fragrance. These small flowers have been symbols of love and modesty since medieval times.
Quick Facts
Meaning & Symbolism
Violets symbolize faithfulness, modesty, and virtue. In Victorian times, they were associated with shyness and delicate love. The purple violet specifically represents loyalty and devotion.
Growing & Care Tips
Violets prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are hardy in zones 4-9 and can be grown as ground cover or in containers. They bloom in early spring.
History & Origins
Violets were chosen for February because they are one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in late winter, often pushing through snow to flower. The ancient Greeks believed that violets were created by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and they associated the flower with fertility and romance. In medieval times, violets were worn as a symbol of humility and modesty, and were often depicted in religious art alongside the Virgin Mary.
Cultural Significance
Violets have a rich literary history. Shakespeare mentions violets in "Hamlet" when Ophelia says, "I would give you some violets, but they withered all when my father died." Napoleon Bonaparte was so fond of violets that his supporters called themselves the "violet party" and he is said to have worn a violet bouquet on his wedding day to Josephine. In the language of flowers popular in Victorian England, a violet given secretly meant "I love you but dare not speak."
Did You Know?
Violets are the state flower of Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. They were also Napoleon Bonaparte's favorite flower, and he wore a violet bouquet on his wedding day.
A violet's modest beauty hides the truest heart.