The marigold and cosmos are October’s official birth flowers, according to the language of flowers.
Check out our quick guide below to learn more about these lovely flowers, including their origins, meanings, and symbolism, as well as some handy buying tips for October birthdays.
1. October Birth Flower: Marigolds
Marigolds have vibrant, daisy-like blooms that make them popular ornamentals. Among other things, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, asters, and dahlias are all members of the Asteraceae family. Autumn blooms of this October birth flower feature bright orange, red, gold, and yellow colors.
Brief History And Origin Of The October Birth Flower
The marigold, also known as calendula or Tagetes, is one of two official flowers for October. Originally from the New World, it has become a popular annual ornamental plant in many North American gardens and around the world.
It is thought that marigold cultivation began with the Aztecs, who regarded marigolds as sacred and magical flowers mainly due to their medicinal properties. Marigolds were first brought to Spain by early Spanish explorers, who grew the plants in monastic gardens.
The seeds reached France and northern Africa from there, and eventually reached the Americas and the rest of the world several centuries later.
Marigold’s common name originated from “Mary’s Gold,” since the Virgin Mary’s altar received these flowers instead of coins as offerings back in the day. Marigold was called the “Rose of India” in the UK, and the “Friendship Flower” in India.
Meanings And Symbolism Of The Marigold Flower
Mexicans and Latin Americans are fond of marigolds, especially during the Day of the Dead. Families often decorate their departed loved ones’ graves and altars with colorful flowers as a way of remembering them.
In Hindu religious ceremonies, marigolds are also used as flowers. During festive celebrations in India, people hang marigold garlands in their homes in surrender and as an offering to the gods.
October birth flowers come in many colors, but the most widely known is the orange marigold, which symbolizes passion and creativity because of its vivid color. They convey many different meanings due to their variety, including cheer, joy, remembrance, prosperity, success, and winning someone’s heart.
Marjoram has negative connotations such as cruelty, despair, grief, and jealousy. The flower’s association with the courageous lion may suggest a strong desire to express strong emotions.
The Victorian meaning of these October birth flowers is a desire for riches, which perhaps relates to the legend of the flower’s representation of gold coins.
Tips When Buying Marigold Flowers
Marigolds are hardy ornamentals that give you attractive blooms in late spring to fall.
Usually cultivated as bedding pants than as cut flowers, marigolds showcase vibrant flowers that, although almost odorless, can also be used in floral arrangements or gifted as potted plants. Here are some useful tips when it comes to buying marigold flowers.
- Observe the flower or plant for any kind of physical damage or occurrence of pests or diseases
- Ensure you buy healthy marigold plants or flowers. Pick ones with strong and sturdy stems and healthy looking leaves.
- Avoid buying flowers with petals that are fading, wilting, or browning. These are signs of an unhealthy plant
- Pick marigolds with buds that are just starting to open
- If you are using marigolds as part of your home decor, you can mix them with more abundant (or smaller) and boldly-colored flowers like roses and zinnias.
The average vase life of marigolds is one week or more. Once you have purchased marigold cut flowers, be sure to condition and hardy them as soon as possible.
2. Cosmos: The Other October Birth Flower
The other birthday flower for October is the cosmos flower. The cosmos flowers, which also belong in the Asteraceae family, are prolific blooms that present lots of flowers for months. Native to Mexico, this October birth flower occurs across the planet, in countries such as the US, South Africa and Argentina.
Within the language of flowers, cosmos are known as a symbol of peace and tranquility. The flowers mean harmony and order, as well as love, beauty, innocence, modesty, joy and balance.
Due to their attractive colors and lovely scet, cosmos flowers also convey wholeness and peacefulness. The chocolate cosmos flowers, in particular, are one way to say, “ I love you more than anyone could”.
As well as being one of the two October birthday flowers, cosmos are also the second wedding anniversary flower.
2 Other Popular In-season October Flowers
1. Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is one of the most loved flowers because of their dramatic look that instantly makes any arrangement one of a kind!
The flower has various meanings and symbolism, however the most common ones include love, friendship, devotion, and strength. What’s more, they have twisted leaves that symbolize a strong bond, and six petals that represent different characteristics.
2. Delphinium
A garden plant that is famed from the buttercup family, delphiniums are known for their dolphin-like flowers typically in rich hues of blue and purple.
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These flowers make an excellent gift as they symbolize new experiences and an overall positive outlook. These beautiful flowers also represent cheerfulness, dignity, goodwill, youth and renewal.
Final Thoughts
This article hopefully should have given you a full in depth knowledge of October birth flowers! Understanding their symbolism as flowers can help you to provide a great gift for someone you love.
