January’s birth flowers are traditionally the Carnation and Snowdrop flowers. You may be asking, What are Birth Flowers? Check out this article Birth Month Flowers for more details about all the birth month flowers. Short answer is there is a Language of Flowers(Floriography). Where many cultures saw meaning in flowers and meaning was given to each flower with different colors and blossoms having their own language as well. Giving someone or leaving certain flowers, floral arrangements could convey messages or feelings otherwise unable to be expressed.

The Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) 

Color	Meaning
Dark Red	Deep Love
Light Red	Admiration
Pink	Affection, A Mother’s Love
Purple	Capriciousnes
Striped(any color)	Regret
White	Innocence, , Remembrance
Yellow	Disappointment, Rejection

Symbolism and meaning

Growing wild on the hillsides of Greece, Carnations are often referred to as “flowers of the gods” as translated from Greek. In both ancient Greece and Rome, Carnations were used in garlands, art and decor. The “godly” flower was once used to treat fevers, spice wine and ale. Essential oil was also extracted from the flower and used in perfumes and aromatherapy and traditionally prescribe in herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders. Carnations come in many colors, bi-colors and even frosted varieties as well, which have come a long way from the predominantly pale pink and peach color seen in earlier times. Native to the Mediterranean area, it was first imported to the United States in 1850. Within two decades more than 50 varieties were available and many have become a staple for the flower industry, especially Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

Snowdrop (Galanthus)

Symbolism and meaning

Snowdrops emerge in late winter or early spring, often while snow is still covering the ground. Often appearing like white drops of snow, hence the name maybe. Monks and midwives are thought to have brought the flower to Europe for medicinal use. The ancient Greeks used an extract of the snowdrop for it’s mind altering effects, derived from the Greek words gala (milk) and anthos (flower). A reference to the pure soft white appearance and possibly to the extract as well. Native to the grasslands, wooded and mountainous regions of Asia Minor and Southern Europe. Extracts of the snowdrop were used in folk remedies for various ailments, where even today medicinal used are being researched. They have been naturalized in the Untied States and other areas. During happy times they are said to provide optimism and hope. While after a death or misfortune it can symbolize compassion, while they are know for expressing both sympathy and celebration. A single bloom brought inside was often associated with death as they were known to grow in graveyards, now represent hope and beauty as it pokes throught the snow. Snowdrops are also associated with pagan and christian beliefs, while one represented the beginning of spring (pagans) or a sign of hope to Adam and Eve when an angel transformed a snowflake into the snowdrop flower(Christians).