I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine:
-Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare
Also known as the African Violet, February’s birth flower is the Violet. This beautiful flower is a five-petal velvety blossom that comes in shades of pinks, whites and purples. They also exist as bi-colored flowers, often blue and yellow. Violets have a unique method of reproduction, known as cleistogamy, which means to self-pollinate and are available as a houseplant or garden plant all year round. Baron Walter Von Saint Paul-Illaire is credited with discovering the violet plant in Tanzania in 1892.
Scientific name: Viola odorata
Family: Violaceae
Violets have an interesting history, and the meaning of this flower has evolved with time. Greek legend tells of a nymph named lo, who was beloved by Zeus. To hide her from Hera, his wife, Zeus changed lo into a white cow. When she wept over the taste and texture of the coarse grass, Zeus changed her tears into dainty, sweet smelling violets that only she was permitted to eat.
During the Middle Ages, violets were a symbol for humility and modesty not only because of the blooming habits of the flower but also because of their association with the Virgin Mary. Back in the Victorian era, a Violet flower would symbolize complete faithfulness and a cream Violet would stand as a symbol to take a chance.
Empress Josephine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte loved the scent of violets and thus they became her favorite perfume. Before Napoleon was exiled in Elba, Josephine died and he picked a bouquet of violets for her grave. When Napoleon died, violets and a lock of Josephine’s hair were found in a locket that he wore.
Violet has a major significance in February, the month of love and romance as it is commonly exchanged on Valentine’s Day amongst lovers along with Valentine’s Day roses. It is also gifted on special occasions such as weddings, engagements and birthdays. If you are looking to send flowers online on Valentine’s Day then send your beloved a bouquet of beautifully bundled violets. Send Valentine’s Day flowers to your loved one and let them know how truly special they are. Violets are a perfect symbol of constancy or devotion and hence make for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
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