February's birth flower, the violet (Viola odorata). Secret Meaning: Modesty, Virtue, Affection Also known by over 200 common names, including Hearts Ease, Bird's Eye, Bullweed. Pink-eyed John, Pink-of-my-Joan, Godfathers, Godmothers, Wild Pansy, Love Idol, Meet-me-in-the-entry, Three-faces-under-a-hood, Jump-up-and-kiss-me, Kiss-me-at-the-garden-gate, Kiss-her-in-the-buttery, the name violet is said to be derived from "Vias" meaning wayside. Called the "Flower of Modesty" because it hides its flowers in the heart-shaped leaves. The deep purple"Viola odorata" native to the Mediterranean region, has a fragrance so sweet that its oil is used in the perfume industry. The Ancients' name for violets was “Iona”; they believed that Zeus, the king of the gods, originated violets in the meadows where Io used to wander. Zeus had fallen in love with the lovely nymph, Io, and changed her into a white heifer to protect her from his wife’s wrath. When Io wept over the taste of the coarse grass she was forced to eat, Zeus changed her tears into sweet-smelling violets that only she was permitted to eat. The Athenians revered the violet, decorated their houses with it, and wore crowns of violets at their feasts and on festive occasions.