May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley symbolize sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. They are associated with the return of happiness and are often used in wedding bouquets.
Lily of the Valley is May's birth flower, known for its delicate white bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance. These spring-blooming flowers are associated with humility and sweetness.
Quick Facts
Meaning & Symbolism
Lily of the Valley symbolize sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. They are associated with the return of happiness and are often used in wedding bouquets.
Growing & Care Tips
Lily of the Valley prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are hardy in zones 2-9 and can be grown as ground cover. They spread slowly but can be aggressive in ideal conditions.
History & Origins
Lily of the Valley was chosen for May because it blooms in early May, coinciding with the month of spring festivals and May Day celebrations. The ancient Romans associated the flower with the goddess Maia, for whom the month of May is named. In medieval times, Lily of the Valley was associated with the Virgin Mary and was known as "Our Lady's Tears," symbolizing her sorrow at the crucifixion.
Cultural Significance
Lily of the Valley has a strong association with May Day celebrations in France, where it is traditionally given on May 1st (La Fête du Muguet) as a symbol of good luck and happiness. The tradition dates back to the Renaissance, when Charles IX received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm and began giving them to the women of his court. In Finland, Lily of the Valley is the national flower and is associated with Midsummer celebrations. In the language of flowers, it represents "return of happiness."
Did You Know?
Lily of the Valley was the national flower of Yugoslavia and is now the flower of the month of May in France, where it is traditionally given on May 1st (La Fête du Muguet). All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Tiny bells of white announce the return of joy.