Birth Month Flowers
 

There are specific flowers which are traditionally given according to the month that a person is born. The January Birth Flower is the Carnation. The History and traditions surrounding the January Birth Flower, the Carnation is fascinating. There are many myths and legends about the origins of this tradition. It is believed that birthday celebrations originated in the Roman Empire and the origins of birth month flowers, such as the Carnation,  could be said to date back to these times. During Roman birthday celebrations family and friends offered congratulations and brought gifts. The gifts included gemstone jewelry, such as the Garnet, and also flowers - the first traditions and origins of the January Birth Flower.

The Language of Flowers
 

The language of flowers developed during the highly conservative period of the Victorian era. The Victorians were strongly restricted by the rules of etiquette when it was considered totally inappropriate to express feelings of love or affection. The "Language of Flowers" therefore evolved when a message was assigned to specific flower such as the Carnation. A lover could then send flowers which conveyed a hidden romantic meaning.
 

http://www.birthstones.org.uk/birth-month-flowers/index.htm