The April Birth Flowers are the Sweet Pea and Daisy
The two birth flowers for April are the fragrant Sweet Pea and the delightful Daisy which start to flower in late spring (northern hemisphere).
April Birth Flower: Sweet Pea
The first birthday flower of April is the Sweet Pea which naturally occurs with purple flowers and originates from the Mediterranean.
Many cultivars have been produced with blue, white and pink flowers besides the original purple color and Sweet Peas are well known for their lovely fragrance.
The language of flowers introduced in Victorian times says that Sweet Peas symbolize pleasure or gratitude.
April Birth Flower: Daisy
The second flower for April is the Daisy, a common flower originating in Europe but now widespread across most continents.
The flower's name is thought to have started as 'day's eye' as the flower closes at night and opens in the morning.
There are thousands of types of daisies and some of the more popular ones are gerbera, African, coneflower, Shasta, Bellis, gloriosa, and marguerite.
The daisy symbolizes love and purity according to the Victorian language of flowers.
Gifts with their birth flower is a lovely idea for a lady or have a look at these custom coins if your man is in the military service.
Birth flower reference: Floriography Today by S. Theresa Dietz
April Birth Trees: Alder and Willow
In the Celtic Tree Zodiac, individuals born between March 18 and April 14 fall under the influence of the Alder tree, while those born between April 15 and May 12 are associated with the Willow. These trees not only define specific periods within the calendar but also imbue those born under their shade with distinct characteristics and symbolic meanings.
Alder (March 18 – April 14)
The Alder tree, known as the "Trailblazer" in Celtic tradition, symbolizes enthusiasm, bravery, and generosity. People born under this sign are often seen as natural leaders, exuding self-confidence and a dynamic presence that attracts others. Their outgoing nature and ability to connect with a wide range of personalities make them both charming and influential.
In Celtic mythology, the Alder holds a significant place. It is associated with the warrior king Bran the Blessed, who carried alder twigs during the "Battle of the Trees," highlighting the tree's connection to protection and leadership. Additionally, the Alder is considered the tree of fairies, representing a blend of strength and ethereal beauty.
Willow (April 15 – May 12)
The Willow, referred to as "The Observer" in Celtic astrology, is emblematic of calmness, intuition, and sympathy. Individuals born under the Willow sign are known for their deep understanding and empathetic nature. They possess a strong connection to the lunar realm, which enhances their intuitive abilities and emotional depth.
Willows are often found near water, reinforcing their association with the moon and the Otherworld. This proximity to water signifies their role as bridges between realms, embodying themes of enchantment, healing, and transformation. Their flexibility and resilience serve as metaphors for adaptability and strength in the face of challenges.
Both the Alder and the Willow trees offer rich symbolism that shapes the identities of those born under their influence. While the Alder emphasizes leadership and vitality, the Willow highlights intuition and emotional intelligence. Together, they reflect a harmonious balance between strength and sensitivity, action and reflection.
Sources: Tree Council of Ireland, The Green Parent
The Symbolism and History of Sweet Pea Flowers
By Kathleen Karlsen
Since antiquity, flowers have been associated with symbolic meaning. Historically, entire gardens have been created based on the inner meaning of the flowers. Many florists today provide information on the meanings of flowers to encourage this practice. Charts of flowers and their associated symbolism help modern gardeners and gift-givers to "say it with flowers."
Sweet peas were a sensation in the late 1800s, are often considered the floral emblem for Edwardian England and are the flowers most closely connected to the month of April. They come in over 250 varieties. Annual varieties prefer full sun, regular watering and soil with plenty of humus. Perennial varieties survive in average soils with moderate watering. They are wonderfully fragrant and were originally grown in the fields of Sicily. Most types grow from 1-5' tall, though some may reach 6'.
The language of flowers associates the following meanings with sweet peas: blissful pleasure, delicate pleasure, good-bye, departure, adieu and thank you for a lovely time. This flower is often associated with young children and used to decorate blankets, clothing, bibs and other objects for babies. These items are excellent choices for baby showers and gifts for babies.
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The most famous and perhaps most important use of this flower was the extensive genetics studies performed by Gregor Mendel. Since they self-pollinate, characteristics such as height, color and petal form can easily be tracked. Mendel's work with these flowers earned him the distinction of being called the Father of Modern Genetics.
Try this flower as a stunning addition to your gardens and or as a cut flower and in corsages and boutonnieres. To encourage their cultivation and ongoing hybridization, many countries have societies, festivals and annual growing contests dedicated to this versatile flower.
Kathleen Karlsen is a mother of five children with a passionate interest in creating a world where children and youth are free to grow in imagination and joy. She has a lifelong interest in metaphysics, psychology, healing and the arts. She manages a multimedia business with her husband Andrew in Bozeman, Montana.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kathleen_Karlsen/66742
Republished with permission from EzineArticles.com
Meaning of Flowers: Daisies
By Shiroona Lomponi
The name is old English, a charming contraction of 'day's eye', which describes the flower's habit of opening and shutting with the rising and setting of the sun. The same wild daisies (Bellis perennis, or the perennial beauty) were associated with various goddesses of love throughout antiquity. By the fifteenth century they had became known as Amore, or love's flower, and were worn by knights to indicate that their love was returned by their chosen lady. The analogous game of pulling off daisy petals one by one to reveal whether a lover 'loves me' or 'loves me not' probably began much earlier, and games like this, and the making of daisy chains, gradually gave the flowers a stronger affiliation with children and enhanced their association with simplicity. In an odd but natural progression of sorts, the love goddesses were replaced by the Virgin Mary, and the lovers' daisy changed her ways to become purer and more innocent.
Not all types of daisy make long-lasting cut flowers. Leucanthemums (which include ox-eye daisies and Shasta daisies) last well, although their scent often demonstrates why they are also known as dog daisies. Other daisy-like flowers include members of the aster family and feverfews but be wary if using them symbolically: feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), the herbal cure-all of the ancient world, represents protection but Michaelmas daisies symbolize a farewell. Marguerites are readily available as flowering plants and can be used for very long-lasting displays massed in bowls and watered regularly.
Shiroona loves the study of flowers. Since being a young girl she has taken delight in growing flowers and cultivating orchids. She is from Thailand and lives in Bangkok with her family. As a flower shop owner she is an expert at flower arranging and loves having the opportunity to experiment with less common flower arrangements. She often attends seminars and places where she can learn more about different styles of flower arranging. Her Thailand flower shop is in Bangkok but she often gets flower orders to Chon Buri, which prompted her to make a florist network covering the whole of Thailand which is now nearly complete.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Shiroona_Lomponi/910941
Republished with permission from EzineArticles.com
