In a similar fashion to several other months (such as April, July, and August), May stands out by boasting not just one, but two birth flowers: the delicate lily of the valley and the enchanting hawthorn.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the significance of each May birth flower…
May Birth Flower #1: Lily of the Valley
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Lily of the Valley Flower Meaning
The Lily of the valley flower bears resemblance to delicate white bells or graceful ballerina skirts, while carrying a multitude of personal symbolisms.
These clusters of forest blooms are frequently associated with delicacy and grace, symbolizing the essence of motherhood, purity, good fortune, innocence, and sweetness.
Adorned with meaningful symbolism and delicate ivory blooms, the diminutive lilies of the valley have captured the hearts of countless brides, particularly those who reside in the realm of royalty and fame. From the graceful Kate Middleton to the iconic Princess Diana, and from the timeless beauty of Grace Kelly to the elegant Audrey Hepburn, even the enchanting Miranda Kerr and the captivating Meghan Markle have all embraced the allure of lilies of the valley, as they gracefully held these exquisite blossoms in their sacred bridal bouquets.
During the Victorian era, floriography attributed the lily of the valley with the profound meaning of rediscovered happiness. By presenting this delicate flower to a beloved individual who has returned to your side, you can eloquently express the jubilation residing within your heart.
Whether it’s May or not, if there’s a remarkable lady in your existence whom you desire to express affection or appreciation towards, be it your sibling, mother, or significant other, this blossoming flower of the spring season presents an excellent opportunity to do just that.
Lily of the Valley History & Insights
In Christian belief, the delicate lily of the valley blossom carries the poetic titles of “the weeping of the Virgin Mary” or “Our Lady’s Tears”. Legend has it that when Jesus faced crucifixion, tears of sorrow streamed down the cheeks of the Virgin Mary, and upon touching the ground, these tears transformed into enchanting lily of the valley blooms.
Legend has it that the delicate lilies of the valley sprouted forth from the very spot where Eve’s sorrowful tears landed, as she was banished from the heavenly paradise of the Garden of Eden for defying God and his divine commands.
In Romanian folklore, the delicate Lily of the Valley is deeply intertwined with the sorrowful act of shedding tears. A poignant legend tells the story of a young girl who, tragically orphaned in her tender years, witnessed the miraculous growth of these ethereal flowers from the very spots where her teardrops fell upon her parents’ resting place.
During the enchanting era of Medieval England, flowers possessed a sublime significance, imbued with positivity and charm. To commemorate the arrival of spring, a delightful “courtship” dance tradition flourished. In this whimsical ritual, young gentlemen would delicately place exquisite clusters of lilies of the valley upon the doorsteps of the fair maidens they held in highest esteem. Legend whispered that if these maidens graced the jubilant festivities, adorning their tresses with these fragrant blooms, it was believed to be an enchanting reciprocation of affection towards their devoted suitors.
In Greek mythology, this flower of May is closely linked to Apollo, the radiant God of the sun. These exquisite blossoms once flourished near the enchanted depths of the forest, and the tale goes that Apollo nurtured them to grace his nymphs with a velvety path to tread upon.
Are lily of the valley flowers poisonous?
Caution must be exercised when dealing with lily of the valley plants as their leaves, blossoms, and roots possess potent toxicity. Although touching them is generally safe, it is crucial to cleanse your hands afterwards to prevent any inadvertent ingestion of detrimental substances.
The May bells are also highly poisonous to pets, including canines and felines.
Within the plant lies a potent toxicity, courtesy of its glycoside content, capable of inducing an erratic rhythm in the heart. Nonetheless, certain components of this botanical marvel find purpose in the realm of medicine, offering remedies for an array of afflictions such as cardiac ailments, urinary tract infections, renal calculi, and even the enigmatic epilepsy.
Other uses of lily of the valley flowers
The lily of the valley, aside from its exquisite grace and allure, is highly coveted for its extraordinary fragrance. It frequently graces the compositions of luxurious perfumes, such as Dior’s Diorissimo Eau de Parfum and Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium.
In the past, the plant’s leaves were also grown to create green dye.
Lilies vs Lilies of the Valley
Although bearing the name lily, the lily of the valley distinguishes itself as a non-conventional lily. Among a plethora of blossoms such as calla lilies and water lilies, it adopts the title without being classified under the lilium genus, which is exclusive to authentic lilies.
May Birth Flower #2: Hawthorn
Now that we are aware of the significance and background of the first May birth flower, what about the second one?
Hawthorn Flower Meaning
Hawthorns represent joy, attractiveness, trust, endurance, and optimism, but they also carry a more enchanting significance.
The whispers of folklore claim that hawthorn trees serve as havens for fairies, cherishing their role as devoted protectors. Among the mystical trinity of ash, oak, and hawthorn, the latter is believed to hold the key to the enchanting realm of Faerie.
Hawthorns, adorned in vibrant pinks and reds amidst lush green foliage, have become an enchanting embellishment for household floral arrangements. These remarkable plants serve as potent emblems of fertility, effortlessly bestowing upon us a harmonious union of berries, leaves, and blossoms.
Whether given as a gift for a May birthday or for any other special event, hawthorn flowers are joyful, unique blossoms that are guaranteed to bring delight.
Hawthorn Flower History & Insights
With origins in Europe, North Africa, North America, and Asia, there are more than 300 recognized varieties of hawthorn.
Known as the May blossom, hawthorns stand as a rare floral tribute to the month they gracefully unfurl their petals—specifically in the northern hemisphere. Alas, this floral beauty eludes Australia’s May, leaving you with a quest to find an alternative gift for your cherished May-born loved ones.
The flowers of the hawthorn tree have been closely linked to paganism and the mystical arts for a considerable period of time.
The dainty blossoms served as a joyful tribute to Beltane (May 1st), an age-old Celtic celebration of spring. Not only were they a symbol of longevity, but also held deep significance as tokens of love and guardianship in the enchanting world of Celtic mythology.
During medieval European festivals, hawthorn trees were frequently utilized to construct maypoles.
In folklore, witches were known to employ hawthorn branches as enchanted wands, while placing trimmed branches outdoors was deemed a safeguard against their mischief.
Hawthorn Medicinal & Culinary Uses
Since ancient times in Rome, hawthorns have been utilized as a cardiac stimulant and to alleviate inflammation.
Being a benign plant, it’s unsurprising that it has been subject to experimentation. Certain herbalists harness the potential of its thorns, flowers, and leaves to address ailments like cardiac arrest, blood circulation complications, and stress.
The humble hawthorn berries possess a delightful edible quality, lending themselves to the creation of delectable jams, syrups, and an array of herbal teas and tinctures. Additionally, the fresh or dried flowers of this versatile plant can also be utilized in various culinary concoctions.
Embrace the cultivation of Hawthorns, also referred to as hedgerows, in your garden without any worries as they pose no harm to dogs, cats, or horses.
Send Birthday Flowers with Floraly
Regrettably, the conventional birth flowers derive their inspiration from the seasons of the northern hemisphere. Consequently, numerous birth flowers, such as the May birth flowers, fail to blossom during the appropriate time of year in the southern hemisphere.
However, if you’re searching for birthday blooms for your loved one born in May, you’ve arrived at the correct location.
Floraly offers an exquisite array of bouquets and presents that will surely captivate the heart of any May-born individual on their special day. Unleash your creativity and assemble a personalized birthday surprise with our innovative DIY Hamper Builder. Begin your shopping journey by simply clicking on the button below.
