The birth flower for the month of August is gladioli.  Glads, as they are often called, when given as a gift, mean 'love at first sight'.  They are native to tropical and South Africa and have sword-shaped leaves with one-sided spikes of funnel-shaped, bright flowers.  They are very long lasting and come in a variety of colors.  The gladiolus brings luck to all births in August.  It symbolizes remembrance, infatuation, and strength of character.  The flower has also represented the Roman Gladiators who carried swords.  It is well known that many myths of gladioli speak of the bloom springing from blood shed by a sword.  In season between July and September, the bloom requires full sunlight and is easy to grow, making the flower extremely popular for cultivation and hybridization.  Some medicinal uses are to cure common colds and digestive issues.  In the 17th and 18th centuries, gladiolus was used as food.  Ancient Roman gladiator battles were fought 'to the death or gladioli' where the victor was buried under gladioli by cheering crowds in celebration for winning the fight.  Glads were commonly referred to as the 'sword lily' with the meaning of moral character being attached to the flower.  Hybridization and experimentation started around 1800 in Britain with the earliest known Africa gladiolus grown in Europe dating back to 1680.  Europeans had been aware of this flower for centuries as an inhabitant of fields where corn grew around the Mediterranean Sea.  The first South African species of gladiolus arrived in Europe between 1739 and 1745 delivered by Dutch and English ships that stopped in Cape Town for supplies and water.  Today, glads come in a rainbow of colors.  Should you wish to order fresh cut glads, be sure to check availability at any local florist, as they do not always have them in stock.