You know each month has a gemstone associated with it, but did you know each birth month also has a flower association? This month, we’re focusing on the February birth month flower: the violet. Learning about the symbolism and meaning associated with a birthday is interesting and can be beneficial, especially when you need to pick out a gift with the meaning for those you care about. Keep reading to discover great birthday gift ideas for your loved ones: just imagine their surprise when they realize you know more about their birth month than they do!
Start with the person’s birth month flower, perhaps one of the most important things to take into consideration before choosing a personalized birthday gift. With Valentine’s Day on people’s minds, February is a big month for flowers. But surprisingly, February’s birth month flower isn’t the rose. Instead, it’s the charming violet.
Venus in Violets
Legend has it that violets owe their bright blue color to Venus, the goddess of love. According to the story, she had an argument with her son Cupid who admitted some bevy of girls to be more beautiful than his own mother. Venus went into such a rage that she beat her rivals until they turned into blue violets. However, in the Christian tradition, violets stand modesty and loyalty. Several legends tell of violets springing up on the graves of virgins and saints.
Because violets are February birth month flowers, it is especially important to give them as a birthday gift to those born in February. Some people believe violets bring good luck, faith, and inspiration to everyone who celebrates their birthday in the last winter month. Another great thing about violets is that this perennial windowsill favorite is easy to care for. Moist soil and indirect sunlight are all violet plants need to bloom throughout the year. This makes a living violet plant a better alternative to cut flowers, which fade fast.
Smells Good, Tastes Good
A lovely, distinctive smell is another amazing thing about violets. It’s scent is so well-liked, it is widely used in perfumes, lotions and beauty products. If you’ve decided to give someone born in February a spa gift or perfume, selecting one with subtle violet notes will add an extra personal touch and meaning to your birthday gift.
Did you know that February’s birth month flower is also edible and nutritious? Sugar coated violet petals are commonly used on cakes, pastries, and savory dishes. Surprisingly, violet flowers are not only good as a sweet garnish, but they are pretty healthy too. The petals and stems of violets contain high amounts of vitamin C (more than most vegetables!), an antioxidant that boosts immune system and overall health. Who would have thought that the February birth flower could make such an exquisite and nutritious dessert alternative!
Candied Violet Flowers Recipe
Want to surprise your special someone on their birthday with a fancy homemade birthday cake or treat your Valentine to a sophisticated dessert? Decorating it with elegant candied violet flowers is a great way to make an impression and demonstrate your creativity. Fortunately, this fancy looking garnish is incredibly easy to make in 10 easy steps and won’t take longer than 15 minutes of your time.
Even though violets are popular garden flowers which grow wild in most parts of the world, finding the right edible variety might be a little tricky. When in doubt, try to stick to the purple colored petals or opt for pansies, which are in the same botanical genus. Another great thing about this recipe is that you can apply the same process to candy any other edible flowers.
Ingredients
– 20 pesticide-free edible violet flowers (with about 2-inches of stem attached)
– 1 egg white
– 2 tablespoons powdered or superfine sugar
Directions
- Beat the egg white until frothy.
- Place the sugar in a separate bowl.
- Hold the flower by the stem and dip it into the egg white.
- Twirl the flower in the bowl with sugar evenly coating it on all sides.
- Place the violet on a paper towel (make sure the flowers are not touching each other).
- Repeat the egg and sugar steps with the rest of the flowers.
- Transfer the paper towel with the sugared flowers into the refrigerator and leave uncovered for 24 hours to let the glaze harden.
- Leave at room temperature for several hours before using in recipes.
- Snip off the stems and discard them.
- Store the candied flowers in an airtight container for up to 3 months at room temperature.
Violet Flower Facts
– Legend has it that violets were originally cultivated in ancient Greece in 500 B.C. Greeks loved the flower so much they used it in wines, food recipes, medicine and even made it the symbol of their capital Athens. Violet was also used to represent love and fertility and was an important ingredient in love potions.
– There are over 500 species of violets growing on the planet earth. Despite what their name suggests, these delicate flowers come in a range of colors including purple (obviously!), blue, yellow, white, and can also be bicolored.
– Although very popular in the perfume industry due to its intense odor properties, violet has one unique characteristic that distinguishes it from other plants. The major compound of its scent called ionone temporary desensitize the receptors of smell in our nose and prevents the detection of other odors until the nerves recover. Pretty amazing, isn’t it!
– Called Corporal Violet, Napoleon Bonaparte was notorious for his love for violet flowers. He didn’t only use them to determine people’s loyalty to him, but even chose the blooms to cover his beloved wife’s grave when she passed away.
– The states of Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Illinois, and New Jersey all recognize violets as their state flower.
– If you’re planning on sending a certain message with a bouquet of violet flowers, keep in mind that their meaning depends entirely on the color of the flower. Blue and purple violets symbolize tender love, affection and faithfulness. White violets stand for purity and virtue, while yellow varieties represent high worth and kindness.
What is February’s Birthstone?
February’s gemstone is the amethyst. It’s name comes from Greek for “sober”. The ancient Greeks believed the stone protected against drunkenness and passion. Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with a number of myths, legends and held in high regard in different cultures. The most ancient amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.
For many years, amethyst was viewed in the same regard as the diamond as one of the most precious gemstones. It was often favored by royalty and clergymen as a symbol for the deity of God. Some historians claim that Saint Valentine himself had an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid. Now it makes perfect sense why amethyst is the birthstone for February and not any other month, right?
Now Amethysts are said to strengthen relationships and bring courage to those who wear them. Some say amethyst can even help break bad habits. Wearing this gemstone during sleep is believed to induce pleasant dreams and reduce mental tension. Giving those born in February an amethyst crystal or a piece of jewelry with their birthstone is a great gift idea that will go a long way.
Zodiac and Birth Month Flowers
Astrology might be another great source of inspiration! As you know each zodiac sign has its individual characteristics which are important to know when picking that perfect birthday gift.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) are very unpredictable and adventurous. They will love any technological gadget such as iPad, iPod, smartphone or newest video game. People born under this sign love extraordinary surprises, so skydiving or a hot air balloon ride will definitely impress them more than any other ordinary Birthday gift.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) is a romantic, sensitive, caring and extremely generous sign. Cosy items such as scented candles, luxurious spa baskets and beauty products as well as a good bottle of champagne or fancy wine gift will make perfect surprise for this zodiac sign.
Now that you know a bit about the February classic gift ideas and personality hopefully you’re ready to pick out the perfect gift! From flowers, to jewelry, perfume, to wine, the perfect gift basket is waiting for your best friend or family.
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