April Birth Month Symbols And Fun Facts

Welcome April! This month arrives after the change of seasons from winter into spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) and therefore symbolizes innocent beginnings, which must be protected. Deep healing comes through that process, leading to beautiful new growth all around you—from lush gardens to joyful friends and family. The Farmers’ Almanac invites you to explore many different April birth month symbols: flowers, stones, zodiac signs, herbs, bird of the month, and more! We hope these—as well as some April fun facts—allow you enjoy this month to the fullest! Share your favorites (and your photos) in the comments, and let’s appreciate gorgeous month together!

April Birth Month Symbols

April birth month symbols are all about freshness. Daisy, the April birth flower, represents innocence and purity, while the diamond birthstone symbolizes fearlessness and faithfulness. Aries and Taurus stand as the month’s zodiac guardians, bringing ambition and persistence to those born during this month. The duck, April’s bird of the month, symbolizes endurance (“water off a duck’s back”) and cheer. Additionally, rosemary, mint, and other healing herbs are associated with protection and lightness, respectively.

April Birth Month Flower: Daisy

With their sunny blooms, quick growth, and innocent childhood associations, daisies are the ultimate spring flowers. Known for their cheerful appearance and simplicity, they are a popular choice in gardens and floral arrangements.

The name “daisy” comes from an old English which means “day’s eye,” referring to the manner in which daisies open and close in response to the amount of light they receive, like an eye that follows the Sun. Daisies open at dawn to absorb sunlight and then close at dusk, to help the flower conserve energy, protect their pollen, and to guard itself from extreme conditions and nighttime insects.

According to Roman myth, the nymph Belides transformed herself into a daisy to escape the unwanted affections of Vertumnus, the god of gardens and seasons. The daisy is also associated with the Norse goddess, Freya, the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty. The rejuvenation of daisies and the fact that they are a prolific early spring bloom also connects to fertility, new beginnings, and rebirth, qualities often associated with April as nature returns to rich, vibrant life after the winter.

April Fun Facts:

• Daisies have a circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and wake cycles, just like humans do.  
• The largest game of “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” was played by 331 people in Milan, Italy. Participants plucked daisy petals to determine if their secret crush loved them back.
• Daisy has been one of the top 200 feminine names in the United States since 1990, when previously the name was ranked as low as in the 600s.

April Birthstone: Diamond

April’s birthstone, the diamond, is known for strength. The diamond is the most durable of all the birthstones. In fact it is the hardest natural substance on Earth. Its name comes from the Greek word adamas which means unbreakable. Symbolically, this power translates to longevity in relationships, which explains why diamonds are favored in engagement rings.

Additionally, diamonds are thought to possess healing powers and provide clarity and balance. For centuries, they were believed to be an antidote to poison and a protection against the plague.

Related product: April Birthstone Malachite Necklace

April Fun Facts:

• The diamond was once thought to ward off the evil-eye, which was believed to cause sickness, poverty, and even death.  
• April’s birthstone, the diamond, is often noted for its colorless clarity, but it also comes in a rainbow of beautiful hues ranging from rose to sunny yellow, blue, brown—even black.

April Colors: Pale Yellow, Grass Green, Pastel Pink, Sky Blue, And White

April is associated with pastels—the light colors of budding plants, cherry blossoms, and Easter eggs. Pale yellow, grass green, pastel pink, and sky blue.

Pale yellow represents happiness and optimism, while grass green symbolizes the new growth popping up all around you during the month of April. Pastel pink and sky blue remind us of cherry blossoms and April rain showers.

These soft hues are often seen in Easter clothing, crafts, and décor representing sunshine, renewal, and fertility. White matches well, being synonymous with purity and light.

April Fun Facts:

• Easter Sunday usually occurs in April but sometimes falls in March, depending on the timing of the full Moon.
• If April’s full Moon is the first full Moon after the spring equinox it is known as the “Paschal Moon” or “Passover Moon.”

Full Pink Moon

April’s full Moon, the “Pink Moon,” is named after pink wildflowers known to bloom in early spring: creeping ground phlox (also known as “moss pink”). Some Native American tribes refer to this Moon using other natural signs of spring, such as “Sprouting Grass Moon” and “Egg Moon.”

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Zodiac Signs: Aries And Taurus

Two zodiac signs are associated with the March birth month: Aries and Taurus.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

The first sign in the zodiac belongs to Aries, which aptly describes their personality. Its name comes from the Latin word, meaning “ram.” These rams are the leader of the pack – ambitious, passionate, and independent. These trailblazers are ultra-competitive and will never do something just because someone else is. Aries tend to be smart and impulsive and thrive when they have multiple projects in the works. Don’t expect an Aries to be content until their personal and work lives align with the life they have envisioned.

If you manage to keep up with these inspirited individuals, you will have a solid and loyal friend who enjoys being the life of the party. While Aries are social beings, they are also very comfortable being in their own company. The Ram’s frankness can often come across as rude, but their bluntness is driven by a high value of honesty. Their fiery spirit and short fuse can also turn some people off, but this can also be their greatest asset if channeled appropriately.  Once they set a goal, they are likely to achieve it.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is represented by the bull. It’s an earth sign that is steady and grounded. Tauruses are known for their intelligence, ambition, and reliability. They are considered to be some of the most diligent workers in the zodiac and unafraid to put in the effort to get things done. They’re often valued members of any team.

While Tauruses might seem picky, they’re not trying to upset anyone. They just want the best for themselves and others. They enjoy physical comforts and like to be in touch with their physical senses. They love good food, fine wine, and art, and often have a creative streak themselves. You can find Tauruses relaxing with luxurious spa treatments, long runs, or self-pampering sessions. They believe in earning their rewards.

In relationships, Tauruses value honesty and trust. They are loyal friends, colleagues, and partners who prefer their relationships to be drama-free. They don’t give empty compliments and can hold a grudge against those who lie. Tauruses might have a reputation for being stubborn, but they are open to others’ perspectives and won’t just agree to keep the peace. They can sometimes struggle with respecting authority, especially if a task seems unnecessary. Despite being selective about their friends, once you’re accepted by a Taurus, you’re in for a lasting relationship. Tauruses are loyal, fun, and intelligent companions who know what they want and work hard to achieve it.

April Fun Facts:

• In Hindu culture, babies born in April are believed to have a long and prosperous life.
• Aries is said to be ruled by the planet Mars, while Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus.

Aries herbs (March-April): Rosemary is a well-known herb used in cooking and for health benefits. It comes from the Latin name Rosmarinus officinalis, which translates to “sea dew” because it grows well near the sea. This herb has rigid branches and sharp leaves that are full of substances that fight bacteria, viruses, and oxidation damage.

During the Middle Ages, people believed rosemary could protect them from sickness, especially during the Black Plague. Now, people use it in various ways, often as an essential oil, because of its health benefits.

Rosemary is particularly valued for its scent, which is believed to enhance memory. It’s often used in wedding decorations and headpieces as a symbol of remembering one’s past life. It’s also used in funerals as a way to say goodbye. In the kitchen, rosemary adds a rich flavor to meats, vegetables, and soups. Because it’s an antioxidant, it’s also popular for making teas. Ancient Greek students used rosemary to help with memory and studying.

Rosemary grows best in sunny areas with good drainage and can be planted with other plants like sage, carrots, cabbage, and beans. It can even be brought indoors during the cold months. The strong personality of rosemary matches the zodiac sign of Aries, the Ram, known for its energy and strength. Other herbs associated with Aries include basil, nettle, chervil, wormwood, and geranium.

Taurus herbs (April-May): Mint is a tough, evergreen plant with a fresh and spicy taste. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which can be identified by their square stems, leaves that grow opposite each other, and a distinctive minty smell. The stems of these plants grow upwards and then flop over, rooting where they touch the soil, allowing them to almost grow themselves.

It’s recommended to keep these fast-growing plants separate from your other vegetables, as they can quickly take over your garden, using up all the nutrients. To prevent this, many people grow mint in pots or in the spaces between pathways. These plants release an aromatic scent when stepped on.

Mint should be planted outdoors in the spring after the last frost. It grows best in damp, well-draining soil, and prefers partial shade, but can also handle full shade or even full sun if watered regularly.

While spearmint and peppermint are the most common types of mint, there are many other varieties. Other types of mint include chocolate mint, orange mint, apple mint, lavender mint, and even banana mint. Mint not only adds flavor to food and drinks, but it also has health benefits. For example, it may help with digestion, relieve a common cold, or reduce allergic reactions.

April Fun Facts:

• British researchers found that the scent of rosemary improves memory by 5-7%.
• Rosemary is believed to ward off evil spirits.

April Fun Facts:

• A special gland near the duck’s tail, produces oil which the duck uses to coat their feathers, waterproofing them. This oil keeps their feathers from getting water-logged and cold in chilly temperatures. Think of the expression, “like water off a duck’s back,” which describes this phenomenon and means that you don’t let criticism affect you.
• A duck can sleep with one eye open in order to stay alert to predators.

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What Does “April” Mean?

April is thought to come from the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open,” in reference to the opening or blossoming of flowers and trees in the Northern Hemisphere throughout the month. Another theory that April is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love (who was later known to the Romans as Venus).

April Calendar

Before the months of January and February were added to the end of the year by King Numa Pompilius around 700 BCE, April was already the second month of the Roman calendar year. Around 450 BCE, April was moved to the fourth position and given 29 days. However, when the Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, an extra day was added, making April a 30-day month.

April Fun Facts:

• Ancient Romans knew April as Aprilis.
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 and Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of the month.

April Fools’ Day

People in many countries play pranks on each other on the first day of April. This tradition has been celebrated for many centuries, but its exact origins are unknown. The day is filled with hoaxes, practical jokes, and the phrase “April Fools!” is often yelled. The person who falls for the joke is sometimes called a fool or a poisson d’avril (April fish), symbolizing a young, easily caught fish or someone who is easily tricked. This is a reference to a common prank where a paper fish is stuck on someone’s back.

Some believe that April Fool’s Day is connected to the ancient Roman festival of “Hilaria,” where people gathered at the end of March to celebrate the resurrection of the god Attis. Others think that we play pranks on April 1 because winter is over and April brings new life, so we celebrate it by making fun of each other. Some also say that April Fool’s Day started in France in 1564. Before 1564, April 1 was still celebrated as the New Year, and those who continued to celebrate the New Year on this day were called April fools, and others played jokes on them.

April Weather Lore

April is a time of unpredictable weather. To commemorate the season’s crazy weather, weather lore of the past can help abate the fickleness of spring weather. Before there were weather apps and dopplers, people would look to animals for weather predictions. You may be familiar with the lore “the louder the frogs, the more rain to come.” This saying is thought to come from frogs being able to detect the amount of humidity in the air and when it increases, they croak louder. They aren’t doing this for our sake, however. Frogs croak loudly to mate, and they are more successful at mating following a good rain, since their eggs are laid in bodies of water (fresh water). Therefore, male frogs will start croaking with more gusto before a rain.

Speaking of rain … plan ahead with Farmers’ Almanac Summer Forecast 2024

Here are some additional April folklore expressions:

• A cold and moist April fills the cellar and fattens the cow.
• A cold May and a windy April, a full barn.
• After a wet April, a dry June.

“April Showers, Brings May Flowers“

As April rolls around, it is usually time to bring out rain boots and umbrellas. The connection between April showers and May flowers comes from an instruction poem, “A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry” by Thomas Tusser, published in 1557. Tusser says, “Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.” This saying still holds true to today as many in the Northern Hemisphere wait out a water-logged April, for the hope of May’s flowers.

April Fun Facts:

• The cherry blossom trees in Washington D.C. typically reach their peak bloom in early April.
• April is the month that animals that hibernate in the Northern Hemisphere come out of their burrows and the birds that migrate north and settle down for the summer to mate.

April Night Sky

As the flowers erupt on the Earth, April also brings its own magnificent showcase in the night sky: meteor shower season! On clear nights, April can be a great month to get outside and stargaze. The annual Lyrid Meteor Shower is usually active between April 16 and 25 every year and peaks around April 22 or 23, bringing an end to the meteor drought that occurs each year between January and mid-April.

Related: Is There A Meteor Shower Tonight? Find Out!

April Fun Facts:

• Named after constellation the Lyra, the Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, created by debris from comet Thatcher, which takes about 415 years to orbit around the Sun, which passed Earth in 1861 and is not expected to return until sometime around the year 2276.
• To view a meteor shower, find a secluded viewing spot, away from the city lights and lie down on the ground and look at the sky. Be patient, watching a meteor shower can be a waiting game.

April Gardening: Harden Off Cool-Season Crops

As the weather warms up, so do your garden beds. Once your beds are dry enough, you can get out and start weeding them and setting up your trellis for your early sprouting peas. This is also the time to start sowing your warm-season vegetables indoors and setting out your cool-season seedlings, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and onions, to harden off.

Once you can work your soil easily, you can also directly sow cool-season vegetables and flowers. In your yard, April is a good time to start removing last years’ dead plants, pruning hedges, and raking back any mulch that you applied last year.

Recipes For April

Stay warm and healthy with some of these Farmer’s Almanac favorites: 

How to Cook Fiddleheads  

Dandelion Jelly Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

April Trivia

Join The Discussion 

Were you born in April?

Which symbols for April are your favorites?

Do you know any interesting April fun facts, symbols, or folklore not mentioned above?

Share with your community here in the comments below!