As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, the month of May brings with it a renewed sense of hope and joy. The May birth flower, the lily of the valley, is a beautiful and delicate flower that embodies the spirit of springtime.
May is a month of new beginnings, with flowers blooming and birds singing, filling the air with sweet fragrances and joyous sounds. It's a time of celebration and renewal, and what better way to mark this special time than with this beautiful May birth flower?
What Is May’s Birth Flower?
The lily of the valley, also known as Convallaria majalis, is the birth flower for the month of May. This beautiful flower is a symbol of purity, humility, and sweetness. Its white, bell-shaped flowers are often used in bridal bouquets, on the 1st of May, and other special occasions. Many people can't get enough of the smell or the look of them. But they are so very fleeting. The attraction is also their 'here today gone tomorrow'-goodness.
The lily of the valley is native to Europe and North America and has a long history of use in medicine and folklore. In ancient times, it was believed to have healing properties and was often used to treat heart conditions and other ailments. It was also used in spells and potions and was considered to have magical properties.
The Birth Flower for May Is a Symbol of Rebirth
The lily of the valley is often called the "Mayflower" because it blooms in May, signaling the arrival of springtime and the renewal of life. Its soft flowers and sweet fragrance make it a popular choice for springtime weddings and other celebrations.
The lily of the valley has also been associated with various religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity, it is often associated with the Virgin Mary and is used as a symbol of her purity and humility. In France, it is considered a lucky charm and is often given as a gift on May Day.
What Is the May Birth Flower’s Symbolic Meaning?
The May birth flower, the lily of the valley, is a symbol of purity, humility, and sweetness. Its delicate white flowers are often associated with innocence and new beginnings, while its sweet fragrance is said to bring happiness and joy.
The meaning of the lily of the valley has changed over the ages. It stood for the restoration of happiness during the Victorian era. It was connected to the goddess Ostara (from whose name we get our modern Easter) and humility and purity in the past. Apollo, the Greek god, is credited with creating it so that his nymphs would have a plush carpet to walk on. These days, it's linked to happiness and motherhood, but it's most traditionally connected to spring, particularly in May. Many believe that these little bells can call on good spirits and deliver good fortune to those who receive them. Some even believe these blooms can communicate with the outside world…
Photo by Julia Kicova on Unsplash
Today, the lily of the valley is a popular choice for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions, where it is often used to symbolize the purity and beauty of the occasion. Did you know famous brides including film star Grace Kelly, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, were both photographed holding bouquets made out of lily of the valley flowers throughout their ceremonies? These small flowers hold a very special place in everyone's hearts.
The Birth Flower for May Is the Perfect Gift for the Spring Fling
If you're looking for a special gift for someone born in May, a bouquet of lilies from the valley is a perfect choice. With a fresh, green scent that practically embodies the arrival of spring and stems lined with small, delicate bell-shaped flowers made for small bouquets and nosegays, lily of the valley flowers have long been associated with royalty and are used as symbols of love, motherhood, and purity, also making them a great choice for a Mother's Day gift.
Photo by @takuya_hatta_dr on Instagram
When choosing a gift of lilies of the valley, consider pairing them with other springtime flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, or hyacinths, to create a beautiful and heartfelt bouquet. Just remember that the lily of the valley, the birth flower for May, exists to remind everyone of the joys of springtime.
Whether you choose to celebrate the beauty of the lily of the valley by planting a garden, hosting a tea party, creating a floral wreath, or giving a May birth flower tattoo as a lasting tribute, it is sure to bring a sense of happiness to one of the best seasons of the year: spring.
Getting a May Birth Flower Tattoo
A tattoo of the lily of the valley is a lovely and classic homage to the splendor and rebirth of spring. A tattoo of the May birth flower can serve as a permanent reminder of the delights of spring, whether you go for a straightforward outline of the lily of the valley or a more complex design.
The shape, color, and small size of the lily of the valley make it a popular choice for tattoo designs. Its white, bell-shaped flowers are often used to symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings, while its sweet fragrance is associated with happiness and joy.
If you're considering a May birth flower tattoo, there are many ways to incorporate the petals of this lovely flower into your design. You could choose a simple outline of the flower, or opt for a more detailed design featuring the leaves and stems of the plant. You could also add other elements to your design, such as birds or butterflies, to enhance the beauty and symbolism of the tattoo.
How to Incorporate and Celebrate The Lily of the Valley in May
There are many ways to celebrate the beauty of the lily of the valley and the month of May. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Planting a Garden
May is the perfect time to have a garden filled with the refreshing, yet neutral white look of the lily of the valley to give your garden the perfect balance. These flowers prefer shady, wooded areas and can be a beautiful addition to any garden. Plant the rootstock in fall or early spring for optimal sprouting conditions. You can also split existing plants, and plant parts of it somewhere else in your garden.
Photo by @carbethplants
Hosting a Tea Party With Lily of the Valley Decorating the Table
The white flowers of the lily of the valley make a perfect theme for a springtime tea party. You could serve tea and sweets on a table decorated with lily of the valley centerpieces and floral arrangements to make a statement.
Make a May Day Basket
May Day is traditionally celebrated on May 1st and is a time to welcome the arrival of spring. You could create a May Day basket filled with lilies of the valley and other springtime flowers and leave it on a friend's or neighbor's doorstep or even gift this basket to your favorite person out there.
Creating a Floral Wreath
A wreath made from the flowers of the lily of the valley can be a beautiful addition to any springtime celebration. You could create a wreath for your front door or use it as a centerpiece for a special occasion.
Choosing Lily of the Valley as Your Flower for May
It is certain to add a sense of happiness and peace to your springtime festivities, whether you decide to honor the beauty of the lily of the valley by planting a garden, throwing a tea party, making a floral wreath, or giving a May birth flower tattoo as a permanent tribute. Thus, appreciate the beauty of May's birth flower and allow it to motivate you to welcome spring's joys and the rebirth of life.
Photo by @plantjeplek on Instagram
Feature image by @michaelcostefr and header image by @theherbwitch.
