Everyone knows that they have a specific birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the month they were born in. However, many people don't know that just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well, which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind your birth flower.

October: Calendula
Alternate: Cosmos

The Calendula includes 12-20 species of annual plants in the daisy family that are native from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. It can also be referred to as the "marigold".

Calendula means the first day of the month, referring to the fact that the marigold blooms at the beginning of the month throughout most months of the year.

The Calendula normally has layered petals that are oval in shape and can grow to be 3-7cm across. The colors range through various shades of yellow and orange. It is suggested that you should remove the dying flower heads in order to help maintain even blossom production.

As a herb, the ointment from Calendula's is used to cure many skin problems from burns to acne because of its properties that reduce inflammation, soothes irritated tissue, and controls bleeding. It can be used internally or topically for minor wounds as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants.

Fun and interesting fact: In Old World Biblical terms the marigold actually refers to the Virgin Mary.

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