July Birth Flower: What Larkspur Taught Me About Celebrating People

Here in the Pacific Northwest, larkspur often blooms from late spring into early summer, making it a fitting flower to celebrate July birthdays.

Whenever I see them, as I often do on my drive to share time with family, I can't help but smile.

Actually I would say this about any flower, and I have.

They’re all beautiful, although I have a friend who says this isn’t true even though she loves flowers and has them all over her home.

With Larkspur, they stand tall, adding beauty to gardens that are already full of life.

I think people can be like that too.

Its tall stems reach toward the sky, each blossom opening in its own time. They're beautiful, of course, but this year I found myself wondering about something more.

When did birthdays become mostly about cake and candles?

Somewhere along the way, many of us began celebrating the event more than the person.

There's a difference.

A birthday isn't simply another year older.

It's another year someone has loved their family and friends.

Another year they've shown kindness to others.

Another year they've learned hard lessons, laughed until they cried, prayed hopeful prayers, faced disappointments, celebrated victories, and kept showing up.

That seems worth celebrating. No question.

I think that's one reason I ‘m enjoying learning about birth flowers…and sharing the learnings.

Every month has one.

Every person has a “birth” day.

Whoever first connected birth flowers with birthdays was a remarkable person. Thank you.

So let's talk about July's birth flower, larkspur.

a flower often associated with positivity, love, and strong bonds of friendship. Whether or not you think much about flower meanings, there's something lovely about having a bloom that marks the season you entered the world.

They remind us that every life is unique.

Everyone has a story.

Every story matters.

You matter!

If, like me, you'd like to learn more about the history, symbolism, and color meanings of July's birth flower, I enjoyed reading this article from Penn State Extension:

A Birthday Is an Opportunity to Notice Someone

One of my favorite parts of creating greeting cards is imagining the person who will open the envelope.

Will they smile?

Giggle?

Or maybe wipe away a happy tear?

Sometimes I wonder if they'll read it again months later.

I hope they do.

Words have a way of staying with us.

Especially when they remind us we're loved.

If You're Writing a Birthday Card This Month

It’s about being genuine and not necessarily perfect.

Simply tell that person what you've noticed about them.

Maybe it's their faith or patience or humor or how they make others feel welcomed.

Specific encouragement often becomes the part people remember most.

Before you go

Birthdays aren't really about counting years.

They're about celebrating lives.

If someone you love has a July birthday, perhaps this is the year to pause long enough to tell them why you're thankful they're here.

The candles will eventually burn out.

Kind words often stay lit much longer.

Wander a little further

Celebrating someone with a birthday? Browse the Birthday Card Collection in the Shop.

Curious about birth flowers? More monthly birth flower stories are blooming soon.

Where will you Scatter Joyfulness today?