May Birth Flowers Name: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
The meaning of flowers and their emotions have long been connected to different traditions. As there is a precious stone every month, there is also a designated birth flower that represents the people born there.
The birth flowers for May are the lilies and wives of the valley. All the types of these flowers are their history, what they represent and famous for the beauty that people like everywhere.
The Tradition of Birth Flowers
The concept of birth flowers dates back to ancient Rome, where flowers were given as offerings to the gods and goddesses during the month of a person’s birth. Over time, the tradition evolved and gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in England. Each month’s flower was chosen based on its seasonal availability and the meanings attributed to it in floriography — the language of flowers.
Just as a person might identify with their zodiac sign or birthstone, birth flowers provide another unique way for individuals to connect with the time of year they were born. They are often given in bouquets, used in jewelry designs, and celebrated in various cultural and personal traditions.
Lily of the Valley: A Symbol of Sweetness and Renewal
Botanical Overview
The Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a delicate, perennial plant native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It features small, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers that hang from a single, slender stem. Despite its dainty appearance, the plant is known for its hardiness and ability to return year after year in the same spot, making it a garden favorite.
Historical Significance
The Lily of the Valley has held a special place in various cultures for centuries. In Christian tradition, the flower is said to have sprung from the tears of the Virgin Mary during the crucifixion of Jesus, earning it the name “Our Lady’s Tears.” In European folklore, it was associated with protection against evil spirits and was considered a symbol of purity and humility.
In France, May 1st is known as La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley Day), when people traditionally give sprigs of the flower to friends and loved ones as a token of good luck and happiness. This celebration traces back to the Renaissance, when King Charles IX of France received a Lily of the Valley on May 1st and decided to continue the tradition each year.
Symbolism and Meaning
The lily of the valley is often associated with humility, sweetness and return of happiness. In May, its seasonal opening, with the full arrival of hot weather and spring, strengthens the topics of renewal and renewal. In the flower language, it can express romance emotions, especially the feelings of new or resurrect love.
Due to its pure white flowers and soft aroma, it is also a popular choice in the wedding bouquet, a symbol of bride’s innocence and purity. However, despite its beauty, the plant is extremely toxic if it is eaten and should be carefully handled.
Hawthorn: A Guardian of the Heart
Botanical Overview
The Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is known for its thorny branches, clusters of small white or pink flowers, and bright red berries that appear later in the season. Hawthorn is commonly found in hedgerows and woodlands across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Cultural and Historical Background
Honor has been respected from ancient times because of his medicines, mystical and protective properties. Selts considered it a sacred tree, which was often associated with fairies and other supernatural creatures. In the celtic legends, the trees of the wreaths marked the portals of the other world, and it was considered unfortunate to bother these trees.
In Christianity, the martyr belongs to the crown of thorns, which Jesus was worn during the crucifixion. Thus, the tree became a symbol of safety and sacrifice. Throughout the medieval Europe, it was also considered to avoid evil spirits and was commonly used near homes or used as a natural fence.
Symbolism and Meaning
Hawthorn represents hope, protection, and love. Unlike the soft and innocent Lily of the Valley, hawthorn embodies resilience and strength — offering both beauty and defense. Its thorny branches serve as a metaphor for the barriers we sometimes erect around our hearts, while its blossoms remind us of the joy that can be found when we let others in.
In traditional floriography, hawthorn also symbolized fertility and happiness, particularly in the context of marriage and domestic life. The tree’s ability to thrive in tough conditions made it a lasting emblem of endurance and faith in the face of adversity.
May Birth Flower Pairing: A Balance of Grace and Grit
The lilies and Hawthorn of the valley together create a symbolic balance of traits that are often attributed to those born in May. People with May’s birthday are said to have a unique combination of gentleness and flexibility. They are upbringing, loyal, and earthly, yet worthy of great personal development and emotional power.
The gentle aspects of the Valley’s Lily’s personality – talk about sweetness, sympathy and sensitivity – while the honor reflects the internal strength, wisdom and protective spirit. This combination offers an important representation of love in its various forms: romance, Plato, family, and love of yourself.
Celebrating May Birthdays with Flowers
Whether you’re honoring someone with a May birthday or simply embracing the beauty of the season, incorporating these flowers into celebrations can add meaning and elegance. Here are a few thoughtful ideas:
1. Bouquets and Arrangements
Include Lily of the Valley in a birthday bouquet for a timeless, classic touch. Pair it with roses, peonies, or violets for a lush arrangement. While hawthorn branches are less common in modern floral design, sprigs can be included for a rustic or woodland aesthetic.
2. Garden Gifts
For gardening enthusiasts, gifting Lily of the Valley pips (roots) or a young hawthorn sapling can be a deeply meaningful present. Both plants are perennials and symbolize lasting affection and continuity.
3. Home Décor and Art
Floral-themed gifts such as prints, embroidered linens, or handcrafted jewelry featuring either flower can offer a personal and symbolic gesture. These tokens serve as lasting reminders of the recipient’s birth month and its associated virtues.
4. Spiritual or Wellness Uses
In herbalism, hawthorn has long been used to support heart health and emotional well-being, while the aroma of Lily of the Valley has been associated with stress relief and mood enhancement. Though not a substitute for professional medical advice, these traditional uses speak to the flowers’ long-standing associations with healing and care.
Conclusion
May’s birth flowers — Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn — capture the essence of spring’s beauty and complexity. They remind us that even delicate things can possess great strength, and that love, in all its forms, requires both vulnerability and protection. Whether you’re celebrating your own birth month or honoring someone else’s, these flowers offer a meaningful, beautiful tribute to the enduring cycles of nature and the human spirit.
By understanding the symbolism and stories behind these blooms, we gain not only a deeper appreciation for their beauty, but also insight into the rich traditions that connect us to the natural world and to one another.
