What Are May Birth Flowers: Complete Guide to Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
Key Takeaways
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May has two official birth flowers: Lily of the Valley (primary) and Hawthorn (secondary), both blooming naturally during the month
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Lily of the Valley symbolises humility, sweetness, and happiness with its delicate white bell-shaped blooms and intoxicating sweet scent
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Hawthorn represents hope, protection, and supreme happiness and is known as “Mary’s Flower of May” in Christian tradition
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Both flowers are perfect for Mother’s Day gifts, birthday celebrations, and meaningful floral arrangements due to their May timing
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These birth month flowers are popular choices for tattoos, bridal bouquets, and symbolic jewellery designs
What Are May Birth Flowers?
When someone asks “what are may birth flowers,” the answer is delightfully abundant. May has two birth flowers that represent this beautiful spring month: Lily of the Valley as the primary flower and Hawthorn as the secondary flower. Both delicate flowers bloom naturally during May in the Northern Hemisphere, making them perfect symbols for those born between May 1st and May 31st.
The tradition of birth month flowers dates back to ancient Roman times and was later refined during the Victorian era when the language of flowers reached its peak. These birth month flower traditions were believed to bring luck, protection, and particular virtues to those born during specific months. For May-born individuals, this means being connected to two remarkably meaningful blooms that capture the essence of spring’s renewal and joy.
Each month has its own birth flowers, each with unique symbolism and cultural significance. January features the carnation, symbolising devotion and love, while March is represented by the daffodil, a sign of good luck and the national flower of Wales. April’s daisy stands for innocence and new beginnings, and July’s water lily and delphinium symbolise purity and positivity. August is known for the gladiolus and poppy, both associated with strength and imagination. October celebrates marigold, marigolds, and cosmos, reflecting warmth and creativity. November’s chrysanthemum represents friendship and happiness, and December’s holly and narcissus are linked to festive joy and renewal. February’s violet is a symbol of faithfulness and was even used by ancient Greeks to flavour wine. The colour of each flower, especially yellow, carries its own meaning and can personalise a gift or message. Birth flowers are celebrated around the world and play a meaningful role in people’s lives, marking special occasions and expressing unique qualities.
Introduction to Birth Flowers
Birth flowers offer a beautiful way to celebrate birthdays and mark life’s special moments with nature’s own artistry. Each birth month is paired with its own unique birth flower, a tradition that traces its roots back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that certain flowers held special meanings and powers for those born in particular months. Over time, this tradition has blossomed into a cherished way to express personality, emotion, and connection through flowers.
Today, birth flowers are more than just a thoughtful birthday gift—they are woven into bridal bouquets, home décor, and even personal art like tattoos and jewellery. With two birth flowers assigned to each month, everyone has the opportunity to choose the bloom that best reflects their style, mood, or the message they wish to express. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday, honour a loved one, or simply add a touch of meaning to an occasion, birth flowers provide a timeless way to convey heartfelt sentiments and celebrate the unique qualities of each birth month.
Lily of the Valley - The Primary May Birth Flower
The lily of the valley stands as May’s primary birth flower, and one glimpse of its ethereal beauty explains why. These small, white bell-shaped flowers hang delicately from arched stems like tiny lanterns, each bloom no larger than a pearl. Native to cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and the Eastern United States, this woodland treasure has captured hearts for centuries.
Scientifically known as Convallaria majalis, the lily of the valley produces an unmistakably sweet scent that can perfume an entire garden. The flower typically blooms from late April through June, reaching its peak during May - hence its connection to this birth month. Each plant produces a single flowering stem bearing 5-15 individual bell-shaped blooms, creating a cascade of pure white beauty.
However, beauty comes with caution. All parts of the lily of the valley plant are highly toxic if ingested, containing cardiac glycosides that can be dangerous to humans and pets. This contrast between ethereal beauty and hidden danger adds to the flower’s mystique and symbolic complexity.
Mythological Origins of Lily of the Valley
The lily of the valley carries rich mythological connections that span cultures and centuries. In Greek mythology, these delicate flowers were said to spring from the tears of Apollo when he was mourning, while another tale connects them to the virgin huntress who shed tears of joy. The ancient Greeks believed these flowers could restore happiness and bring good fortune to those who encountered them.
Christian legend offers perhaps the most touching origin story, linking the lily of the valley to Eve’s tears when she was leaving the Garden of Eden. According to this tradition, as Eden’s gate closed behind her, Eve’s tears of sorrow transformed into these beautiful white bells, symbolising hope even in moments of loss.
St. Leonard’s legend tells of a fierce battle with a dragon, where lily of the valley flowers grew from every drop of the saint’s blood that touched the ground. This story imbued the flower with meanings of protection, courage, and divine blessing.
In France, the tradition of giving lily of the valley on May 1st (La Fête du Muguet) for good luck dates back centuries. This custom was popularised by King Charles IX in the 16th century after he received a sprig as a token of good fortune, establishing a connection between this birth flower and prosperity that continues today.
Hawthorn - The Secondary May Birth Flower
Hawthorn serves as May’s secondary birth flower, bringing its own rich tapestry of symbolism and natural beauty. This thorny shrub or small tree produces clusters of white, pink, or red flowers that blanket the landscape in late spring. Known by various common names including May-tree, May-bush, and whitethorn, hawthorn has earned its place in May’s floral family through both timing and tradition.
The hawthorn’s historical significance as “Mary’s Flower of May” in Christian tradition connects it deeply to themes of purity, protection, and divine blessing. Its blooming characteristics feature distinctive five-petalled flowers that appear in dense clusters, creating a spectacular display when the entire tree bursts into bloom. These hardy trees thrive across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, adapting to various soil conditions and climates.
Unlike the delicate lily of the valley, hawthorn represents strength and endurance, with its thorny branches serving as natural protection while its abundant blooms signal hope and renewal.
Cultural Significance of Hawthorn
Celtic and Germanic folklore held hawthorn in particularly high regard, viewing it as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Ancient Celts believed hawthorn trees were inhabited by fairies and that cutting one down would bring misfortune. This reverence led to hawthorn trees often being left standing alone in fields, creating the distinctive landscape features still seen today.
Medieval European traditions wove hawthorn deeply into May Day celebrations. Young people would venture into forests to gather hawthorn branches for May poles and to decorate their homes, a practice called “bringing in the May.” This custom reinforced hawthorn’s connection to fertility, renewal, and the celebration of spring’s return.
Traditional medicine systems across Europe utilised hawthorn flowers, leaves, and berries for various medicinal purposes, particularly for heart conditions and digestive issues. This practical use combined with its symbolic meanings to establish hawthorn as a tree of both physical and spiritual healing.
In Victorian flower language, hawthorn symbolised hope and supreme happiness, making it a popular choice for romantic expressions and wedding celebrations. The flower’s ability to bloom profusely even on thorny branches became a metaphor for finding joy despite life’s challenges.
Characteristics of May Birth Flowers
The birth flowers for May—lily of the valley and hawthorn—are celebrated for their delicate beauty and rich symbolism. Lily of the valley enchants with its dainty, bell-shaped blooms and sweet scent, making it a real favourite for bridal bouquets and springtime celebrations. Its gentle fragrance and pure white flowers evoke a sense of joy and happiness, while its long history in traditional medicine highlights its value beyond the garden. Used for medicinal purposes for centuries, the lily of the valley is as practical as it is beautiful.
Hawthorn, with its clusters of blossoms and protective thorny branches, stands as a symbol of hope, fertility, and enduring beauty. Its blooms bring a sense of renewal and optimism to gardens and landscapes, while its reputation as a symbol of protection makes it a meaningful addition to any setting. Together, these two birth flowers capture the spirit of May—offering messages of love, happiness, and new beginnings, and providing endless inspiration for gifts, floral arrangements, and personal expression.
Symbolism and Meaning of May Birth Flowers
The combined symbolism of May’s two birth flowers creates a rich tapestry of meaning for those born in this spring month. Lily of the valley embodies humility, sweetness, purity, and motherhood, with its modest downward-facing blooms suggesting gentle strength rather than boastful display. The flower’s association with the return of happiness makes it particularly meaningful for new beginnings and fresh starts.
Hawthorn contributes complementary symbolism of hope, protection, supreme happiness, fertility, and renewal. Its thorny nature balanced by abundant blooms represents the idea that beauty and joy can flourish even in challenging circumstances. Together, these birth month flowers suggest that May-born individuals possess a unique combination of gentle strength and resilient optimism.
The connection to spring themes of rebirth and new beginnings makes both flowers particularly relevant for life transitions, celebrations, and moments of hope. Their association with Mother’s Day celebrations, which falls in May, adds another layer of meaning related to nurturing, care, and family bonds.
This symbolism extends beyond mere decoration to encompass deeper spiritual and emotional connections. Many people born in May find personal resonance with these meanings, incorporating lily of the valley and hawthorn into important life events, memorial services, and personal celebrations.
Growing and Caring for May Birth Flowers
Cultivating your own May birth flowers allows you to connect more deeply with their symbolism while enjoying their natural beauty. Lily of the valley thrives in partial to full shade with moist, well-draining soil. These woodland natives prefer cooler conditions and are hardy in USDA zones 2-7, making them excellent choices for northern gardens.
Plant lily of the valley pips (rhizomes) in autumn or early spring, spacing them about 6 inches apart. The plants spread naturally through underground rhizomes, eventually forming dense colonies that carpet shaded areas with their elegant foliage and blooms. Water regularly during dry periods but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Hawthorn trees adapt to various growing conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade and tolerating different soil types. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, these resilient trees can reach heights of 15-30 feet depending on the species. Plant young hawthorn trees in spring or autumn, providing adequate space for their mature size.
Maintenance for both plants remains relatively simple. Lily of the valley benefits from mulching to retain moisture and may need division every few years to prevent overcrowding. Hawthorn trees require minimal pruning beyond removing dead or crossing branches, though they can be shaped if desired.
Remember to exercise caution when growing lily of the valley around children and pets due to its toxicity. Consider planting it in areas where accidental ingestion is unlikely, and always wash hands thoroughly after handling the plant.
Gift Ideas with May Birth Flowers
Fresh arrangements combining lily of the valley and hawthorn create stunning bouquets that celebrate the full spectrum of May’s floral symbolism. These combinations work beautifully for birthday gifts, Mother’s Day presents, or any occasion calling for meaningful flowers. The contrast between lily of the valley’s delicate bells and hawthorn’s clustered blooms creates visual interest while telling a complete symbolic story.
Potted lily of the valley plants make excellent gifts for those who appreciate perennial beauty. These living gifts can be enjoyed indoors during blooming season and then planted in gardens for years of future enjoyment. Pair them with elegant cache pots or decorative containers that reflect the recipient’s style.
Hawthorn bonsai trees offer unique, long-lasting gifts that embody both beauty and symbolism. These miniature trees can bloom annually with proper care, providing a lifetime connection to May’s birth flower tradition. The art of bonsai cultivation also adds meditative and therapeutic value to the gift.
Jewellery featuring lily of the valley motifs has remained popular for generations. Delicate necklaces, earrings, and brooches often incorporate the flower’s distinctive bell shape in gold, silver, and precious stones. These pieces allow May-born individuals to carry their birth flower’s symbolism with them daily.
Perfumes and candles featuring lily of the valley’s distinctive sweet scent bring the flower’s essence into everyday life. High-quality fragrances capture the flower’s intoxicating aroma, while scented candles can fill spaces with the romantic atmosphere of a May garden.
May Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas
Minimalist lily of the valley designs featuring clean line work have become increasingly popular for tattoos. These delicate stem representations can be scaled to fit various body locations, from wrists to shoulders, while maintaining the flower’s graceful proportions. The simple bell shapes translate beautifully into tattoo art, especially when rendered in fine line techniques.
Realistic hawthorn branch tattoos showcase the flower’s natural complexity, including detailed representations of the five-petalled blooms and characteristic thorns. These designs often work well as larger pieces, allowing for intricate shading and botanical accuracy that honours the flower’s natural beauty.
Watercolour style tattoos combining both May flowers create vibrant, artistic representations in soft pastels. This technique allows for creative interpretation while maintaining recognisable flower forms. The bleeding colours can represent the emotional connection to birth month symbolism.
Vintage botanical illustration style tattoos incorporate scientific accuracy with artistic beauty, often including the flowers’ Latin names (Convallaria majalis and Crataegus species). These designs appeal to those who appreciate both natural history and personal symbolism.
Small matching tattoos featuring single lily of the valley bells work well for couples or family members who share May birthdays. These subtle designs can be placed on fingers, wrists, or behind ears for discrete yet meaningful body art.
Memorial tattoos incorporating May birth flowers provide beautiful ways to honour loved ones born in May. These designs can include additional elements like dates, names, or complementary symbols that enhance the personal significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does May have two birth flowers instead of just one?
The tradition of having multiple birth flowers for certain months developed over centuries as different cultures and regions contributed their own seasonal flower associations. May’s abundance of spring blooms, combined with varying climates and cultural preferences, naturally led to both lily of the valley and hawthorn being recognised. This gives people more options to connect with flowers that resonate personally or are available in their specific geographic area.
Can I grow lily of the valley indoors as a houseplant?
While lily of the valley can be forced to bloom indoors in pots, it’s not typically suitable as a permanent houseplant. These woodland natives require a winter chill period to bloom properly and prefer cool, humid conditions that are difficult to maintain indoors year-round. For best results, enjoy potted lily of the valley during its blooming season, then transplant to a shaded outdoor garden area where it can establish its natural growing cycle.
What other flowers are commonly associated with May besides the official birth flowers?
Several other flowers bloom prominently in May and are sometimes referenced in birth flower traditions, including sweet pea, morning glory, daisies, and various rose species. Honeysuckle also peaks in May in many regions. Some regional variations of birth flower charts include these alternatives, though lily of the valley and hawthorn remain the most widely recognised official May birth flowers.
Are there different varieties of lily of the valley with different coloured flowers?
While the classic white lily of the valley is most common, several cultivars offer variations. ‘Rosea’ produces pale pink bells, while ‘Flore Pleno’ features double white flowers. ‘Albostriata’ has variegated foliage with cream stripes. However, these varieties are less common and may be harder to find than the traditional white species. The symbolism and meaning remain consistent across all varieties.
How long do cut lily of the valley flowers last in a vase?
Cut lily of the valley typically lasts 4-7 days in a vase with proper care. To maximise longevity, cut stems early in the morning when plants are well-hydrated, place immediately in cool water, and keep arrangements in cool locations away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 2-3 days and trim stem ends slightly. Their delicate nature means they’re best enjoyed fresh rather than dried, though their sweet scent makes even a short vase life worthwhile.
