August Birth Flower: Gladiolus

The gladiolus is the August birthday flower. As one of the most colorful summer flowers, the gladiolus is unique in that its flowers grow from a tall spike lined with sharp leaves. Its nickname “sword lily” comes from its Latin name “gladius” meaning sword, and refers to the shape of its leaves.

When offered as a gift, the gladiolus symbolizes love at first sight and that the gift giver’s heart is pierced with love. The August birth flower is also known as the flower of the gladiators. During Ancient Rome, gladiators would fight “to the death of gladioli” and the crowd would cover the winner in colorful gladiolus flowers. Therefore, the gladiolus can also be a symbol of moral character and honor.

Gladiolus Meanings and Symbolism

Gladioli are known to symbolize strength of character, faithfulness, integrity, infatuation, and persistence. Beyond these meanings, the birth flower for August carries other meanings that differ by color.

Red gladioli symbolize love.
Pink gladioli symbolize compassion.
White gladioli symbolize innocence.
Yellow gladioli symbolize joy.
Purple gladioli symbolize charm and grace.

August Birthstone

August has two birthstones: the peridot and sardonyx.

The peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones. Its green color can range from bright lime green to an olive-like greenish-brown. It is a stone that is known to have healing properties and protects against nightmares. It brings the wearer power and an auspicious year. It is a stone that is formed from the depths of the Earth, and formed by the Hawaiian volcanoes when they come to the surface once the volcanoes erupt. In Hawaii, the stone symbolizes Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.

The sardonyx is an onyx stone that has red, brown and white striations. Its name is derived from the Greek words sard meaning “reddish-brown” and onyx meaning “veined gem.” The ancient Greeks and Romans would engrave images of heroes onto these stones, and wear them in talismans as they believed that it would bring them courage and protect them from evil.

August Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both Leos and Virgos are born in August.

Leos are characterized as original, motivated, ambitious, loyal, physical and majestic. Leos born between August 1st and the 22nd fall on the Leo-Virgo cusp. They have Virgo tendencies that include being perceptive to and caring for the needs of others. The combination of Leo and Virgo characteristics is what makes the August Leo a creative and intellectual individual who be counted on as a dependable friend.

Virgos are characterized as loving, sympathetic, sensual, faithful, moody, and instinctive. Leos born between August 23rd and the 31st fall on the Virgo-Leo cusp. August Virgos have a sunny disposition and are highly intellectual. They are hard workers and are not shy about taking full credit for anything that they do. They constantly strive for recognition and validation, or else they will feel unfulfilled. In addition, they have both introverted and extroverted qualities, which gives them the ability to interact with many types of people.

Famous Birthdays In August

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, August 4th.
Madonna, legendary pop star, August 16th.
Kobe Bryant, NBA professional basketball player, August 23rd.
Michael Jackson, legendary recording artist known as the “King of Pop”, August 29th.
Jennifer Lawrence, lead actress in The Hunger Games, August 15th.

Do you have an August birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas!

Learn more about birth flowers by month.

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