September 2009

Have you ever thought that every month has a birth flower and that each one has a special meaning? Like people, birth flowers are distinctive – filled with significance and wonderful stories. So whether you’re looking for a creative gift for someone’s birthday, or just want to add a personal touch to a flower arrangement for any occasion, our Birth Flower Guide will help you find out which flower is uniquely theirs.

SEPTEMBER: ASTER

The birth flower of September is Aster. In Latin ‘aster’ means ‘star’, the name also used by the Greeks for its star-like blossoms, while ‘wort’ means ‘root’ which signified plants with healing properties.

One ancient legend says that when people learned to make weapons of iron, the god Jupiter was angered by all the fighting with these iron weapons that he decided to destroy the entire race by a flood. The gods fled the earth and the last to go, the goddess Astraea, was so saddened that she asked to be turned into a star. When the floodwaters receded, all that was left was mud and slime. Astraea felt very sorry for people and started to cry. Her tears fell as stardust turned to beautiful asters.

Known as ‘Eye of Christ’ in France and ‘Starwort’ in England and Germany, September Birth Flowers were also thought to carry magical powers. The early English name ‘Starwort’ was later changed to ‘Michaelmas Daisy’ as it blooms around St. Michaelmas Day in September.

Asters were sacred to the gods and so wreaths of asters were placed on their altars. Aster leaves were burned to keep away evil spirits and drive away serpents in ancient Greece. The bite from a mad dog was cured by an ointment made from asters. Virgil wrote that the flavor of honey would be improved if asters were boiled in wine and placed near a beehive.

In the language of flowers, Aster is a symbol of Love, Faith, Wisdom, Valor Hope, Light, and Power. Thus, September Birth Flower is perfect for Birthday bouquets , holiday flower arrangements, and romantic gifts. Asters are also given to celebrate the birth of a new baby and included in wedding flowers or a wedding bouquet.

Send your nearest and dearest a gorgeous bouquet with Asters as a talisman of love and an enduring symbol of elegance!