Marigolds, the “Herb of the Sun”, are October’s flower & hold a host of meanings across history & cultures. The name “Mary’s Gold” was given since they were sacrificed to the Virgin in lieu of gold coins. Both Victorian & Mexican cultures used them in remembrance for the dead while throughout the Middle Ages they were considered love charms, helping to attract mates. Others splashed marigold water on their eyes or added petals to their pillows to induce psychic dreams & visions of fairies. However, because their bright orange faces evoke the beauty of the sun, they’re most associated with creativity, passion & a drive to succeed.

“Floriography”: the language of flowers

Thousands of years of folklore, mythology & religious tradition have contributed to the meanings we ascribe to flowers today. Floriography peaked in popularity during the Victorian era when, armed with floral dictionaries, gentlemen would send cryptic messages to ladies with specific nosegays or tussie mussies called “talking bouquets”. 

Still today we have a tradition of birth month flowers, the meanings of which are rooted in floriography. Similar to zodiac signs or birthstones, it is believed you inherit the characteristics of the flower assigned to your birth month.