Jonathan Rowe, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

Why February Is the Best Month for Birthdays

From exploring why we celebrate turning one year older to discovering birthday traditions around the world, the series “All About Birthdays” brings you fun facts about the day we all celebrate. In this article, we explore why February birthdays are the best.

Named after Februus, the Roman god of purification, the month of February marks the start of a new year of the lunar calendar. Around the world, a quiet revival has begun: The holiday rush and lethargy of January have passed, and though winter is in full swing, the earliest hints of nature’s reawakening are appearing, allowing the season of gifting flowers to begin — just in time for Valentine’s Day! February is also the year’s shortest month, a subtle reminder that even though another clean slate has arrived, time is still fleeting. Though February grants hope and clarity to all who seek it, it turns out that those born this month receive a few special lifelong gifts.

February: an artistic month

Picture of red Magnificent Roses — Magnificent Roses

February birthday aquarius wish bracelet — Aquarius Wish Bracelet

february birthday Love Always Bouquet — Love Always Bouquet

A study from the U.K.’s Office of National Statistics found that February babies are more likely to become artists than those born in any other month. This suggests that February is the birth month of more “right-brained” individuals, meaning people who are naturally more gifted in the realms of creativity, intuition, and imagination, as opposed to “left-brained” individuals, who are more likely to excel in activities dealing with mathematics, analysis, and logic. In addition, the Journal of Social Sciences found that individuals born under the sign of Aquarius, which includes the first 18 days of February, are more likely to become celebrities than those born during the rest of the year.

February birthday babies lead with a smile

The sign of Aquarius has also birthed 20 percent of all U.S. presidents, more than any other sign, the most famous of which include Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. In addition, all Aquarius presidents except William Henry Harrison were elected to more than one term in office. End-of-February babies do not need to fret, however — a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com found those born under Pisces, the sign that includes the last 10 days of February, to be among the “most satisfied” with their careers, regardless of their field of work.

February’s birth flowers are charming and dependable

February’s first birth flower is the Viola odorata, known commonly as a violet. Most often found in bright purple and blue, this small, bell-shaped bloom carries a distinct honeyed scent and is quite nutritious — its petals contain more vitamin C than many vegetables. The cultivation of violets dates to Ancient Greece, wherein 500 B.C., the flower represented Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and passion. Greek mystics of the era created to love and fertility potions with violets, while physicians used its petals to treat skin inflammation and respiratory problems. Over time, the flower has come to represent faithfulness, loyalty, and attentiveness. Some even believe that keeping violets in the workplace can focus concentration and increase teamwork.

Though similar in name to the popular red rose, February’s second birth flower, the primrose, is not botanically related to the classic symbol of Valentine’s Day. The primrose represents platonic love or among lovers, eternal commitment, as the giver is said to consider the recipient an irreplaceable friend, ally, or partner. Among the year’s earliest blooms, the primrose draws its name from the Latin term “primus,” meaning “first” or “early.” This perennial originated in Europe and was used in the Middle Ages to treat arthritis and paralysis; today people turn to it to ease insomnia and breathing problems. Like the violet, the primrose is consumable and can be found in many salads and teas.

February’s zodiac signs are strong-willed and good-hearted

The zodiac figure of Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb.18) is the “water bearer,” an innovative mystic healer who bestows life upon the earth. Appropriately, many born under the sign are humanitarians who contribute to the world in unique — and at times eccentric — ways. Idealistic and often an artist of some sort, the Aquarius doesn’t mind being labeled as quirky, for they know their goals are righteous. However, even in philanthropic settings, an Aquarius so values their intuition that they can at times struggle to hear others out. With an open mind, though, an Aquarius is unmatched at serving the common good. Michael Jordan, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, Ed Sheeran, and Alicia Keys are all born under Aquarius.

As the last sign in the Zodiac, a Pisces (Feb. 19 to Mar.20) is said to embody a bit of every other sign, granting them the ability to communicate in a nearly psychic manner. Just like an Aquarius, Pisces is a compassionate creative who deep down would do anything to help those in need. The emotionally sensitive nature of Pisces grants them great empathy, though, with such potent feelings, sentiments can overtake their logic. The sign’s symbol, two fish swimming in a circle, is said to represent the personal balance that a Pisces must maintain to enjoy life. Well-known Pisces include Rihanna, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Taylor, Justin Bieber, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Why January Is the Best Month for Birthdays

After the hectic holiday season, January presents us all with a much-needed sense of peace and rest. The Christmas parties and travel have passed, work probably isn’t back to full speed yet, and there’s an outside chance the kids are still occupied with their presents. January is also a great time to kick back and enjoy sports — the NFL playoffs have arrived, the NBA has just begun, and that couch by the fireplace with a great view of the TV is the perfect spot to recharge. Though the year’s first month is a refreshing time for everyone, those born in January are the recipients of uniquely personalized fresh starts, as well as some lifetime advantages.

January birth brings better chances of fame and power

A Journal of Social Sciences study involving celebrities from a range of professions found that January babies appear to have the greatest chance of becoming famous. They are natural leaders as well — Science Direct published a study from several senior business and finance professors in China, Singapore, and Canada, which found January to be one of the top four birth months for CEOs of S&P 500 companies. The Wall Street Journal believes this big-boss tendency relates to a January baby’s age advantage in the classroom. Because kindergarten enrollment cutoff dates fall between September and January, summer babies are usually the youngest in their classes, and January babies, some of the oldest.

January babies have less stress, more doctorates

Birthday dog bouquet with carnations — Another Year Rover Birthday Bouquet

Picture of Capricorn necklace — Gold Constellation Star Necklace

Picture of Birthday Wishes Cake with carnations — Birthday Wishes Flower Cake

A study by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology involving 400 university students found that those born during the winter months were much less prone to irritability and mood swings than those born during the summer. This natural cool-headedness must help when tackling difficult school curriculums. The Office of National Statistics has found that the most common career for a January-born individual is a medical doctor. The second most common job is that of a debt collector, a position certainly aided by an even temper.

January birth flowers display strength and purity

The carnation, a small yet hearty blossom with a 2,000-year cultivation history throughout the Mediterranean, is one of January’s two birth flowers. Known scientifically as Dianthus caryophyllus (a Latin translation of “Flower of the Gods”), carnations boast layers of soft, feathery blooms in an array of colors, each of which carries different meanings. Dark red carnations symbolize deep love, while lighter reds express friendship and personal appreciation. Yellow says “I miss you”, while white carnations communicate well wishes and good luck. Coincidentally, the birth flower of this first month of the year is also the official flower of the first wedding anniversaries.

January’s second birth flower is the delicate, bell-shaped snowdrop, one of the earliest of all flowers to blossom each year. Native to southern Asia and Europe, a snowdrop reaches but 3-4 inches tall, with a downturned bloom that hides a patterned green and yellow center. Known by botanists as Galanthus nivalis (Greek and Latin terms that mean “milk-white flower” and “resembling snow”), a snowdrop’s simple purity has come to symbolize rebirth, faith, and the kind of natural beauty that mankind just can’t replicate.

January’s zodiac signs are honorable high-achievers

The majority of those born in January are Capricorns (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19), ambitious yet humble bunch who tend to achieve their grand plans in a modest manner. Ever-focused and responsible, Capricorns make great managers in professional settings, though they may need to be reminded to relax, as their determination can find them forgetting to slow down and enjoy life. When they do stop to catch their breath, Capricorns prefer to spend free time in familiar settings alongside close friends and family. Notable Capricorns include Michelle Obama, Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, Betty White, and Isaac Newton.

Though the dreamy Aquarius (Jan. 21 to Feb^.19) tend to spend plenty of quiet time pondering their own existence, they also care a great deal about the world around them and are likely to be strong supporters of charities and environmental groups. An Aquarius tends to make their mind up once and stick with it, so much so that they may have problems just hearing others out. At the right time, this determination can be invaluable—the true Aquarius refuses to ever compromise their morals for outside acceptance. Oprah Winfrey, Harry Styles, Abraham Lincoln, Alicia Keys, and Thomas Edison are all born under Aquarius.

Why December Is the Best Month for Birthdays

December finds people of all faiths and backgrounds shifting into celebration mode, ready to relax, warm up and get jolly. The bleak and sleepy stage of winter has yet to arrive, any snow is likely more picturesque than heavy, and most employers are getting ready to pause work for a few days —not a bad time for a birthday party!

Given that New Year’s resolutions aren’t due yet, a December birthday allows both you and your guests to sneak in some final indulgences, minus the guilt. Being born in December doesn’t just afford you a great setting for a celebration, it also comes with some extra gifts that can’t be purchased.

December babies are chilled out and smart

According to the neurological non-profit ECNP, which is an organization that provides guidance and information to the public on matters relating to brain function and the treatment of brain disorders, December-born individuals are less prone to moods swings than almost all others. December babies rarely ever experience Cyclothymic temperament, a condition “characterized by rapid swings between sad and cheerful.” Though those born in December are typically among the youngest in their class at school, a scenario some parents worry may affect a child’s grades and social anxiety, economists have found younger students often hold career advantages. Not only that, but the UK’s Institute for Fiscal Studies found December babies are 20% more likely to attend college than those with summer birthdays.

December birth flowers protect as well as party

Picture of paper whites December birthday flower

December babies, you’ve been gifted two birth flowers, each distinct and unique in color and texture. Holly is a symbol of happiness and security at home, and just like Christmas trees, is an evergreen. A favorite in holiday wreaths, Christian tradition considers holly’s red berries to represent the blood of Jesus, and its sharp leaves, the crown of thorns he wore. The serrated leaves benefit those of any faith, however — their prickly edges keep deer from eating away at gardens.

The second flower is the paperwhite narcissus, a close relative of the daffodil, with thin, white petals, a golden center bloom, and a vibrant fragrance. Historically symbolic of honor and kindness in western cultures, and prosperity in the far east, the narcissus is a perfect bloom for the season of celebration. Cornell University florists have discovered that a bit of vodka or gin in the flower’s water can keep the narcissus from bowing over as it grows taller.

December gifts long life and a healthy heart

Generational studies performed by the Journal of Aging Research show that December babies have a greater shot at living to age 105 or older than those born in the summer. This is partially due to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease for the December-born. A study of nearly 2 million subjects performed by Columbia University found those born between September and December to have an 18% lower risk of heart ailments than the average American. While no concrete causes were uncovered, Columbia’s staff believe the cardio health boost may relate to seasonal conditions during a mother’s pregnancy.

December’s zodiac signs are adventurous and determined

December birthday Sagittarius Can Cooler

Those born the first three weeks of December are Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21), an ambitious sign that lives to explore and experience the world. Generous with a knack for teaching, Sagittarius’s magnetic personality easily engages all those they meet during their adventures. The sign’s symbol, a bow and arrow ready to fire fit them perfectly; they’re always aiming for the stars, ready to launch a new project at a moment’s notice. Such grand ambition can lead one to overcommit, though when the time is right, a Sagittarius can manifest goals others wouldn’t dare set. Sagittarius notables include Pope Francis, Billie Eilish, Walt Disney, Miley Cyrus, and Katie Holmes.

Birthdays that take place in the last 10 days of December are Capricorns (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19), perhaps the Zodiac’s most focused and hardworking sign. Low-key on the surface, Capricorns love to let loose around those closest to them (though they may need to be reminded to do so). Their workaholic tendencies may find them misread as unfeeling or impersonal — not so, however, as a Capricorn loves teaming up to accomplish goals. Interestingly, some say a Capricorn’s spirit ages in reverse — while others tire and worry as the years pass, age can bring Capricorns more energy and humor. Stephen Hawking, Michelle Obama, Isaac Newton, and Kate Middleton are all Capricorns.

Let’s Talk Turkey: A Full Serving of Little-Known Facts About Thanksgiving

There’s more to major holidays than just a day off from work. Our series “Holidays 101″shares how these festive days came to be, the foods associated with them, and the peculiar ways to celebrate. Here are five facts about Thanksgiving you may not have known.

1. Snoods of the chicken-peacock

Meleagris gallopavo — the latter part of which roughly translates to “chicken-peacock” — is the American wild turkey’s zoological name. According to linguist Mario Pei, the name “turkey” likely originated from Europeans new to North America mistaking the fowl for a species that Turkish merchants had sold overseas. Male turkeys were eventually deemed “gobblers,” based on the sound of their mating call to “hens,” or female turkeys.

facts about thanksgiving with a live turkey.

Wild turkeys have faces that are distinct, colorful, and — let’s face it — a bit unsightly. The fleshy red strand that hangs above a turkey’s bill is called a snood. While both sexes have these appendages, the Journal of Avian Biology found that gobblers with longer snoods are not only healthier in general but more desirable to hens, and likely to beat short-snooded gobblers in mating challenges. Guess size does matter.

Well-built turkeys have some famous admirers as well. According to Smithsonian, Benjamin Franklin, while helping determine our national symbol, called a bald eagle a less “respectable bird” than a turkey.

2. Trick-or-treat’s-giving

Halloween wasn’t always America’s candy-seeking holiday. In late November 1897, the Los Angeles Times first wrote of children dressed as wild animals and politicians roaming the streets on Thanksgiving soliciting sweets and coins from strangers. The practice grew and spread east, and by 1909 The New York Tribune reported swarms of kids doing the same while dressed in “old clothes, many sizes too large.” That earned Thanksgiving the nickname “Ragamuffin Day.”

facts about Thanksgiving with 1933 Thanksgiving Ragamuffin parade — Thanksgiving Ragamuffins , 1933. Courtesy New York Public Library

By 1911, the New York tradition had become a full, chaotic parade. The Free Lance-Star reported thousands of costumed young people (as well as adults) sounding horns and rattles, “throwing confetti and even flour on pedestrians” who ignored their requests for handouts. Manhattan’s wild Ragamuffin Parade was gradually swallowed up by an organized street spectacle, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the rise of Halloween trick-or-treating tradition.

3. Macy’s parade balloons: the weird and the wonderful

Though the first three years of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (1924-1926) featured live exotic animals such as tigers, bears, and elephants, none ever managed to entrance young attendees like the parade’s legendary balloons.

The tradition began in 1927 with a two-story high inflatable Felix the Cat that took nearly a half hour to inflate with almost 2,000 cubic feet of helium and air — the equivalent of 5,000 standard-size “birthday balloons.”

A grand start, but nothing compared to the parade’s largest-ever balloon, a Superman figure in 1940 almost 5 ½ stories tall by 44 feet wide, which held enough air for 22,500 birthday balloons.

The parade’s strangest floaters include a Pinocchio balloon in 1937 with a nose much larger than its body, and an inflatable version of entertainer Eddie Cantor in 1934, the only real-life human to ever be featured. Mr. Cantor’s balloon wore a baffled facial expression, had legs each wider than its torso, and instead of being flown for a Macy’s balloon’s standard of three years, was recycled after the parade into 650 pounds of rubber that the U.S. military used for WWII supplies. As a co-founder of the March of Dimes, Cantor did deserve his balloon though, and the crazy eyes made sense: He was nicknamed “Banjo Eyes” from constantly widening and rolling his eyes during performances.

4. “Franksgiving”: FDR’s marketing holiday

To express his gratitude for the Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving an official national holiday in 1863, to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. Sixteen presidents later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt — in an effort to stimulate a struggling U.S. economy in a year when Thanksgiving fell on the last day of the month — suddenly kicked off the 1939 holiday shopping season a week early, officially changing the date of Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday in November.

FDR’s decree came just at the end of October, however, and the timing of the announcement made the president no friends: Sixteen states outright refused to acknowledge the order, thousands of angry citizens wrote the White House to complain about “Franksgiving,” and NFL executives, whose Thanksgiving Day games were scheduled well in advance, were equally furious. A Gallup poll the following year showed 62% of the country opposed the move.

5. The truth about turkey naps

facts about thanksgiving with a man napping on a couch

For generations, millions of Americans (many of them dads and uncles) could be found zonked out on their family couches shortly after Thanksgiving dinner. Holiday legend says it’s because of all the turkey they ate — specifically, the excessive amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that spurs the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, found in the poultry.

Not true, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietician nutritionist and former spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Jackson Blatner says that chicken actually contains more tryptophan than turkey, and that the common post-meal snooze-fest simply “boils down to Thanksgiving being a time when people overeat.”

She elaborates: “When people overeat food, the digestion process takes a lot of energy. Don’t incriminate the turkey that you ate, incriminate the three plates of food that you piled high.”

Picture of a 1-800Flowers Thanksgiving ad

November Birthday? Why It’s the Best Month to Celebrate

November is an especially cozy month for a birthday, perfect for daylong fires in the hearth, soul-warming soups, stews, mulled wines, and especially rich late-harvest cakes and pies. This month marks fall in full bloom, an important time of transition and tradition, characterized by the drawing near of friends and family — due both to lower temperatures and the closeness of the holiday season. Perhaps best of all, the end of daylight saving time on Nov. 7 gifts us all a much-needed extra hour of sleep. November birthday babies also happen to be recipients of some remarkable personal characteristics and birthday benefits.

November birthdays are strong and athletic

Harvard University research has found that November babies typically grow to be taller and fuller-bodied than individuals born in summer. The International Journal of Sports Medicine also reports that November babies display up to 15% better athletic skills than those born during other seasons. Lastly, a November birthday means a greater chance of left-handedness, and seeing that most athletes in sports like baseball, boxing, and tennis train against righties, lefties typically hold an advantage over their opponents when game time arrives.

November birth flower: Chrysanthemums keep you young

Chrysanthemums are one of November’s birth flowers. Mums are a native Asian bloom that cultures of the region believe possess the power to preserve youth. Chinese tradition says a solitary mum petal floated in a glass of wine can increase the strength and resilience of all bodily organs, and that keeping mums in one’s bedroom can prevent early gray hair.

The fascinating order with which a mum’s petals open and bloom is such a magical sight that the Japanese view the flower as a symbol of nature’s perfection. In like, Chinese philosopher Confucius was known to have deemed chrysanthemums “pure and sublime” objects to be focused upon during meditation.

Your November birthday is the kickoff of party season

The vaunted holiday party season begins this month with late fall festivals and harvest parties, family Thanksgiving and Friendsgivings, and, let us not forget, Thanksgiving Eve (one of the biggest party nights of the year, seeing that many old friends visit their hometowns and have off work the next day). Planning a November birthday celebration near Thanksgiving guarantees a great crowd with out-of-town guests who are usually too far away to make it to a get-together. And unlike holding a birthday party in December or January, your November birthday party guests won’t be burnt out by all the holiday celebrations just yet.

November zodiac signs Scorpio and Sagittarius bring truth and freedom

november birthday gold plated zodiac astrological sign

Most November babies are Scorpios (Oct. 23 and Nov. 22), natural truth-seekers known for utilizing a unique blend of creativity and intelligence to fight for what they believe in. A Scorpio’s ambition can sometimes feel intimidating, but their efforts aren’t all about personal gain — a Scorpio lives to advance causes they believe will benefit everyone, and are well known for displaying bravery to help close friends. Also quite charming and adventurous, Scorpios love displaying their professional capabilities via highly visible accomplishments. Well-known Scorpios include Pablo Picasso, Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, Marie Antoinette, and Katie Perry.

Those born after Nov. 22 fall under the sign of Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21), a philosophical, open-minded bunch with grand, but considerate, senses of humor. Though a Sagittarius can be often be read as impatient and overambitious, it’s only their freedom-seeking nature reaching for its next adventure — logically, traveling the world is an ultimate pleasure for them. Generous and warm at heart, Sagittarius individuals possess an exuberance that inspires all those they come in contact with. Tyra Banks, Jay-Z, Billie Eilish, Brad Pitt, Scarlett Johansson, and Jamie Foxx are all born under the Sagittarius sign.

An animated ad for 1800flowers.com's fall collection

Why October Is the Best Month for Birthdays

Halloween is the main holiday associated with October birthdays. Here is a photo of a spooky skeleton. — *Photo by Jacqueline deMontravel*

October means the Halloween season, the only time of year it’s completely OK to eat miniature candies all month long — not a bad way to celebrate a birthday! Outside, the last of the summer heat is finally gone by October, and the leaves are reaching gorgeous peak color change. If any of your favorite pumpkin-spiced foods and desserts haven’t been released yet, they’ll undoubtedly be arriving in coffee shops and bakeries. October is also prime time to camp out on the couch with a blanket and hot cider, as this month traditionally brings new seasons of your favorite network TV shows. All things considered, October is a special month for everyone, though those born this month have inherited some unique personality traits and wellness characteristics.

Great health is yours, naturally

October babies tend to grow up to be very healthy people. NBC’s Today reports that those born this month traditionally develop great cardiovascular health and lower cholesterol levels, and as a result, have a reduced risk of heart disease. Global medical surveys also find that October babies tend to live longer than those born in other months — the Journal of Aging Research has found that people born in the fall (September through November), have a greater chance of living to see the 100-year mark. October birthdays also bring strong mental health. Studies from the renowned medical journal Public Library of Science show that those born in October have a lower risk of depression and anxiety-related conditions.

October birthday babies have two times the jewels

Photo of tourmaline, October's birthstone.

Unlike other months with only one birthstone, October has two special gems: the tourmaline and the opal. The tourmaline, which many geologists consider the most colorful gem on the planet, has a fascinating formation process — hot water and chemical vapors become trapped inside caves and begin to harden, often resulting in entire caverns being covered with pillars of tourmaline. This spellbinding site has been reported in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Brazil. Though much tourmaline resembles emeralds and sapphires, this gorgeous stone also comes in brilliant shades of pink, deep purple, and canary yellow.

From early civilizations onward, the opal has set the standard for gemstones — the name even comes from the Latin term for all precious stones, “opalus.” The best opals, sourced primarily from Australia, emit a kaleidoscope of colors when cut well. Other opals come in every hue of the spectrum, though the black opal is by far the most coveted. If you manage to procure an opal for your birthday, be careful when storing your stone — the most beautiful opals contain up to 20% water and can dry out in hot environments.

Congratulations, you’re a natural-born leader

Photo of the Imagine memorial for John Lennon in New York City's Central Park, Strawberry Fields. Lennon was born in October.

Being born under Venus in the zodiac, those with October birthdays tend to be natural peacemakers, gifted with refined presence, and personal expression — all typical characteristics of a politician or head of office. Appropriately, six presidents have been born in October, more than any other month, including John Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes, Chester Arthur, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter. The leadership gene appears in October’s women as well — Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt are October babies. Outside of the political realm, the legendary John Lennon and Pablo Picasso, both groundbreaking leaders of their creative arts, were born in October, as was Mahatma Gandhi, one of history’s greatest peacekeepers.

The October birthday flower is more than just pretty

A photo of Calendula, the October birthday flower.

October’s birth flower is the calendula, known to most as a pot marigold, an earthy, long-petal beauty famous for its vibrant orange and yellow tones. Though it originates from south-central Europe and the Mediterranean, the earliest known cultivation of marigolds took place amongst Aztecs, who believed the flower held spiritual powers, mainly due to their medicinal properties. Anti-inflammatory oils within Calendulas can decrease swelling in the mouth, calm rashes, reduce infections, and encourage skin regrowth in wounds. Calendulas are known to keep deer and other grazing animals out of vegetable gardens, thereby protecting entire crop yields, which is another reason why the Aztecs honored the flower. Cultures across the world see marigolds as embodiments of personal strength, unconditional love, and calm tenacity, characteristics especially valuable in this stressful modern world.

October birthdays bring balance, power, and passion

An ad showing gift ideas for October birthdays.

Most born in October are Libras (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22), expressive and sociable yet rational and balanced individuals that seek to maintain harmony in all aspects of their lives — a goal represented by Libra’s zodiac sign, the scales. This theme of balance even appears in nature during October, as this is the month when the hours of daylight and night are nearly equal. Roman poet Manilius, scribe of one of the world’s oldest known astrological books, reports the moon was in Libra when the great empire of Rome was united and founded. Bruce Springsteen, Kim Kardashian, Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Serena Williams are just a few famous modern Libras.

The month of October also births Scorpios (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21), passionate and loyal people who never compromise their beliefs for the mere approval of others. Stoic, independent, and all-around intelligent, a Scorpio is known to possess a vibrant personality that can easily display itself without an excess of effort. Well-known Scorpios include Drake, Kendall Jenner, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, and Ciara.

October birthday gift ideas

october birthday with autumn Sophistication Flowers

Nothing says happy birthday to an autumn baby like a gift that smells, tastes, and looks like the season. Between home decor that radiates orange, yellow, and red, food baskets that include some of the best the harvest brings, and, of course, seasonal plants and flowers, there are so many amazing gift ideas available to show someone you care.

One thing else is certain — those with an October birthday are sure to love doing anything outdoors, when the autumn air is cool and crisp. So, why not take your someone special out for a day of apple or pumpkin picking? You can even surprise him or her with a gourmet food basket as things wrap up to enjoy a taste of seasonal treats.

If you know an October baby who lives for Halloween, spend an evening with them at their favorite haunted house, and then give them a spooktacular gift that includes holiday themes. Home decor is always a big hit, as are gift baskets filled with favorite sweets and treats.

Why September Birthdays Are the Best

Birthdays are the holidays we own, a naturally special 24 hours for celebration with friends and family that’s sure to warm the heart no matter the season. September babies, however, have a few exclusive birthday advantages that mere other-monthers don’t get to enjoy. With the return of picture-perfect weather, the availability of rare seasonal culinary delights, and some special gift options, September is a great month to be celebrating your birthday.

September birthdays take the cakes

Photo of a birthday cake that shows fall colors popular for people celebrating September birthdays

Seasonal harvests in September provide plenty of food and sweet options. September babies, you have your choice of a plain old birthday cake with white icing…or a fresh pumpkin cheesecake, a pecan pie, plus apple crisp and healthy alternatives like gluten-free pumpkin cake, cinnamon-baked pears, and apple chips. If you live near a rural area, you know that September farmer’s markets and roadside stands offer amazing dessert options you won’t find anywhere else. Take a drive and see what you can find, and maybe explore nature along the way — the changing leaves and mild days make for gorgeous birthday hikes.

There are plenty of party partners

September babies have a lot of company! According to Reader’s Digest, nine out of 10 of the most common American birthdays occur in September. Turns out the 9^th and the 19^th are the most birthday-filled days of the year, with the nine days in between containing the other seven most common birthdays. That means there’s a good chance you or your friends know other people born in September — and you could team up for a double or even triple birthday party.

September birthday babies get the best of two seasons

In much of North America, September is the only month when you can really enjoy the best of summer and fall — comfortably warm days and perfectly cool nights, with crisp air rather than high humidity. September is a perfect time to hold your birthday party outdoors to make the most of great grilling weather in the afternoon and ideal conditions for sitting around a fire after sunset. If a pool or hot tub is available, a night swim or relaxing soak can be the perfect way to wrap up your party. September’s lower temperatures can also make it easier to drift off to sleep after a high-energy get-together.

Photo of men enjoying beer while celebrating their September birthdays.

National Beer Lover’s Day

Sept. 7 marks National Beer Lover’s Day, the vaunted holiday celebrated with specialty brews, beer-related food features, and fantastic deals in bars and restaurants across the country. Even if that’s not your birthday, September is typically the month when craft breweries debut their most limited-edition seasonal beers, ciders, and mead varieties. Pumpkin porters, spiced ales, maple brown ales, and crisp dry ciders are fall favorites consistently released on or around National Beer Lover’s Day.

September brings football season

This month marks the return of football — by far our nation’s most popular sport, according to ratings — and birthday/big-game combo parties always make for great weekend celebrations. Baseball playoffs typically start in late September too. There’s also a relaxing bonus — watching a game makes the party less stressful for the host, as people typically entertain themselves.

It’s digital drop-off time

Many tech companies take advantage of back-to-school time by releasing new smartphones and laptops. That also drives down the price of older-model phones and computers, so keep an eye out for bargains in September — no matter the person’s budget, you’ve got plenty of choices to suggest as a gift.

September blooms provide energy

Photo of Asters, September birthday flower

The aster is a September birthday flower that represents a love so radiant it can blind snakes, keeping them out of gardens where the flower is planted, according to myth. Ancient Greeks burned aster leaves for spiritual protection, believing the scent could ward off evil phantoms, and Victorian culture considered the aster’s thin, delicate petals to symbolize subtle allure and graceful attraction. Another September birth flower is the morning glory, a bloom that begins to open at dawn and closes by afternoon. It’s short but sure life cycle is thought to represent the fleeting nature of young love. The flower is also said to provide its recipient with the strength to conquer adversity.

Pleasant and positive zodiac signs

Those born between Aug. 23 and Sept. 22 are Virgos, loyal and practical souls who revel in the presence of animals and nature. Virgos are known to constantly pursue personal health, preferring nourishing cuisine over quick-fix sweets and junk food, a good book rather than a night of TV. Libras, a highly cooperative and group-minded bunch, are born from Sept. 23 to Oct. 22. Their steady pursuit of social balance and equality mirrors their attraction to like-minded life partners, intellectual individuals who enjoy fine art and music.

7 Steps to Organizing the Perfect Bachelor Party

Our series “Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments.

A good friend’s engagement brings promises of great times for all involved, including the classic, once-in-a-lifetime bachelor party. Whereas planning a wedding is a painstaking labor of love, organizing a personalized, smooth-running bachelor party is a serious undertaking for the groom’s closest friends.

In other words, the days of simply booking hotel rooms, going to a few bars, and calling it a weekend are over. “Bachelor parties of today are much more involved processes than in the past,” says Joe Volpe, the founder and CEO of Cescaphe Event Group, a Philadelphia-based event-planning company. “With so many great travel options and activities out there, the possibilities are endless. But it takes solid group planning and coordination to make it happen.”

To help the best man and groomsmen stay organized, here are seven important steps to consider when planning a successful bachelor party.

Name a point person

When it’s time to turn the anticipation into action, someone within the groom’s social circle must step up as a point person for the event. Traditionally, that has been the best man — though there’s nothing wrong with another member of the wedding party taking the lead. “Find someone in the wedding party who is more organized, or a groomsman who works in or has connections within the hospitality industry,” says Victoria Ayers, client services manager at Cescaphe. A team effort can work as well, but it’s important to stay coordinated, as having too many planners can disrupt the process.

Set the guest list

With a point person named, it’s time to confirm the guest list and establish a headcount. Victoria recommends checking with the groom to see if he would like to invite friends he couldn’t include in his wedding party. Collect not only email addresses and phone numbers but Venmo or PayPal usernames of all attendees ahead of time; an app is a much better means of arranging group payments than collecting money and splitting checks in the middle of a party atmosphere.

Pick a date and destination

“Try and let the groom set the stage,” Victoria says. “Ask for his date preferences, and for him to identify a few places that are meaningful to him.” Once two or three possible locations have been identified, she recommends taking the process to a free third-party poll site. “When determining group consensus on these topics, try using a free survey service like TypeForm to send a quick anonymous poll to everyone.” Next, submit the poll results to the groom for a final decision, and then email a calendar invite to everyone involved.

Find accommodations

While a choice hotel may offer a luxury bar, Michelin-star restaurant, or top-shelf dance club, cramming everyone into one room to hang out during downtime might not be as fun, Victoria says. For those who don’t need to be in on the action 24/7, an Airbnb or Vrbo makes it possible for everyone to comfortably share the same space and lets the party purchase its own groceries and alcohol. With an accommodation type chosen, the point person should offer options first to the groom and then to the group.

Plan travel

If the party destination demands air travel, don’t simply look and book. Victoria suggests having the point person monitor flights using a service like Hopper or Google Flights, which help travelers determine the best time to make bookings for optimal rates and minimal transfers. When ticket prices drop, the point person should immediately text and email all details to the group, and stay in contact throughout the day until tickets have been purchased.

Arrange activities

“Depending on your party’s location, think of booking regional excursions, like golfing, fishing, or boating,” Victoria says. “Maybe also look into booking a table at a club or good tickets for a sporting event or concert.” She also says the point person should be sensitive to any personal concerns or lifestyle choices of party guests, and that meal planning should consider these factors as well. When it comes to eating in restaurants, don’t just show up with a full group and expect to be seated — make reservations in advance.

Finalize the itinerary

With all details finalized, text and email a brief itinerary to all guests, including confirmed reservations and activities with times. Then, divide the groom’s total trip cost equally and issue payment requests to all guests, unless a previous payment method for covering the groom has been agreed upon.

With all this accomplished, it’s now time to sit back and start looking forward to the weekend of a lifetime.

The Unique Symbolism of Wedding Flowers

In 1819, French author Charlotte de La Tour published “Le langage des fleurs,” a detailed picture dictionary of flowers featuring hundreds of blooms and their symbolic meanings. In an era when etiquette prevented some couples from communicating openly, the symbolism in the book allowed readers to exchange secret messages of affection by using flowers. Different combinations of flowers, their placement within an arrangement, and even the direction they faced when handed to the recipient were all tailored to express a message from their sender.

Twenty-three years later, British florist and pastor Robert Tyas wrote “The Sentiment of Flowers: or, Language of Flora,” bringing the flower dictionary tradition to the English language. It immediately became a favorite among engaged couples. The tradition of communicating with blooms soon took root in North America, where brides assembled well-thought-out and carefully arranged bouquets, tied them with a ribbon to symbolize companionship, and carried them to the altar on their wedding day as a sign of the happiness to come in their union.

Wedding flower symbolism

To help brides in their bouquet selection, we spoke with Valerie Ghitelman, vice president of product development, design, and sourcing at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. She offers a primer on the language of the most popular wedding flowers.

Garden roses

Prized by brides for their elegance, garden roses are lavish and luxurious flowers that represent deep passion and lasting emotion. Dense and detailed, garden roses have a ruffling, pillow-soft look with a center that resembles four blooms in one. “These roses have a vintage flair, and this can be very captivating for someone who is traditional, romantic and appreciates old-world style,” Ghitelman says. “Garden roses come in a variety of wonderful colors that are also very relevant and fashionable right now.“ Whether a striking pink, deep cream, or scarlet, these hybrid roses are some of the most popular and widely cultivated flowering plants available all year.

Peonies

The peony, a timeless flower regarded across cultures as a presage of prosperity and satisfaction within a relationship, is also seen as a display of a partner’s honesty and compassion for others. With so many shades and variations available, the peony allows a bride to personalize a truly unique floral design to be unveiled on her special day. “These exceptional flowers possess an unforgettable fragrance and are considered a potent symbol of romance and adoration,” says Ghitelman, calling the peony a “cherished choice for any wedding, an exquisite blossom that features lush feathery petals in a variety of colors.“

Dahlias

The summer-flowering dahlia is a bold and elegant bloom guaranteed to stand out in any wedding bouquet, a characteristic that has led it to be equated with personal grace and strong presence in a crowded world. The bloom also stands for eternal commitment and a bonding of souls — the perfect message for a wedding day. The light and feathery dahlia also speaks to the good taste and elegance of the one who bears it. This flower carries a mild yet enticing fragrance and is in season for summer or early fall weddings.

Wedding flower symbolism with White gardenia

Gardenias

The gorgeous gardenia is said to embody positive dreams, trust, and joy — feelings always strongly associated with a wedding day. A flower of Asian origin, gardenias are seen by Japanese and Chinese people as a symbol of the peace, calmness, and unique intimacy experienced only between couples. “They have a delicate, layered bloom and shiny, green leaves, with a sweet fragrance that is absolutely intoxicating and memorable,“ Ghitelman says. “The white hue of the gardenia bloom adds a sense of purity and innocence, which explains why it is often used in wedding ceremonies.” In addition to bridal bouquets, these bright flowers are also favorites for reception-table arrangements.

Calla lilies

A tropical bloom of African origin, the lightly fragrant calla lily gets its name from the Greek term for “magnificent beauty.“ The white calla is said to represent innocence, while yellow blooms embody emotions of gratitude, and pink selections speak to admiration and thanks. Ghitelman calls the calla her personal favorite for a wedding because it symbolizes faithfulness as well as true devotion and good luck. “The flowers are shaped like trumpets, which also symbolize triumph,” she says. “Planning a wedding is a long and arduous task, so I suppose one could say making it through all that drama is somewhat triumphant.” In season during the first half of the year, calla lilies are a popular choice for spring and summer weddings.

Wedding flower symbolism with Bride holding calla lily bouquet

Wedding flower symbolism with Hydrangea bouquets

Hydrangeas

In their native Japan, hydrangeas have always represented gratitude, even on an imperial scale. Ancient Asian emperors were known to present hydrangeas as an apology when their time-consuming day jobs left loved ones feeling neglected. In modern times, the hydrangea still expresses commitment, empathy, and perseverance in a partnership, as well as a desire to make a union work no matter the obstacle. Unlike many single-bloom wedding selections, hydrangeas are actually shrubs of flowers, priced reasonably for such a dense and full plant. The bulbous, full-bodied shape of the shrub also represents another of its core meanings: abundance.