What are May’s Birth Flowers?

Lily of the Valley ~ Purity, Love, Good Luck and Happiness

The May birth flower, Lily of the Valley, is almost fairy-like with its dainty bell-shaped flowers in crisp white, on slim stems with wide, pointed leaves. In Britain, it can often be found in gardens or woodland areas.

Little-known facts about Lily of the Valley

This small flower has various traditions and beliefs attached to it. One of the best known is its association with royal weddings. It is believed to have featured in the bouquet of Princess Grace Kelly, and more recently in the bouquets of Diana, Kate, and Meghan. It is a popular choice for its elegance, but also because it only stays fresh for a short while, making it all the more special, along with it many special symbolism, read more about these further in the article.

It was also famously the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite flower, grown still at Buckingham Palace and featured in her Coronation Bouquet.

Lily of the Valley has a religious connection too, featuring in the Bible and associated with beauty, purity, and the presence of God. It is sometimes linked to the Virgin Mary and believed to have grown from her tears during the crucifixion of Christ, which is why it is often referred to as ‘Our Lady’s Tears’.

In France, on the public holiday La Fête du Muguet on 1st May, it is customary to gift Lily of the Valley as a gesture of friendship and prosperity for the year ahead. This tradition of exchanging flowers on May Day as a symbol of good luck is celebrated across many cultures.

The iconic French fashion designer Christian Dior used Lily of the Valley as an emblem of his brand, stitching it somewhere into each garment as his lucky charm. During every runway show, at least one model would carry a stem. Dior faithfully gave Lily of the Valley to all his employees on May 1st.

Symbolism of Lily of the Valley

Humility — with its bowing bell-shaped flower heads, it gives the impression of modesty and a humble heart.
Purity — through its delicate bells and pure white colour.
Happiness and good luck — with its sweet scent and delicate charm, it evokes warmth and positive feelings.
Return to happiness — in the language of flowers, Lily of the Valley carries the sentiment of better times ahead, a promise of joy returning after difficulty.

Hawthorn ~ Hope, Endurance and Renewal

The May birth flower, Hawthorn, also carries many traditions and beliefs, deeply linked to Celtic folklore. Its blossom can be found in hedges, woodlands, fields, and roadsides. A wonderful plant that gives and changes with each season. In May, you will be greeted with beautiful clusters of fragrant white or pink blooms, contrasting against its thorny branches.

Little-known facts about Hawthorn

Often known as the May tree, its blossoms are used to decorate maypoles and crowns in May Day celebrations, symbolising the arrival of warmer weather and the renewal of the season ahead.

In Celtic folklore, Hawthorn was believed to be a portal between the mortal world and the world of fairies. People were often afraid to disturb the trees, fearing they might unsettle the magical folk living between their branches.

In Greek mythology, Hymenaios, the god of Wedding Ceremonies, carried Hawthorn, and many ancient Greek brides used the blossom in their bouquets or hair to symbolise hope in love.

The Romans used to tie Hawthorn leaves to babies’ cradles to ward off evil spirits, and some would hang branches on doorways and windows to protect against negative energy.

Symbolism of Hawthorn

Hope and endurance — a plant that survives in the most difficult conditions, offering a quiet symbol of strength and perseverance.
Renewal — the contrast between its delicate blossoms and thorny branches resonates with the human experience of vulnerability and the strength to keep going.
Protection — rooted in folklore across many cultures, Hawthorn has long been seen as a guardian plant, standing between the known world and the unknown.