May’s Flower – Meaning, Entomology and History of Lily of the Valley

The traditional flower associated with May is the Lily of the Valley. It’s known for its delicate white bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance, often symbolizing purity, happiness, and renewal. In many cultures, it’s also associated with springtime and the arrival of warmer weather.

“Lily of the valley, fair and true, dropping in springtime’s early dew; Lily of the valley, sweetest flower, laden with fragrance, white as the hour.” – Eliza Cook

Lily of the Valley is a beloved flower with a rich history and cultural significance, making it a timeless favorite in gardens and floral arrangements around the world. Scientific name: Convallaria majalis, Lily of the Valley is a perennial flowering plant native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some key points about this beautiful flower:

1. Appearance: Lily of the Valley typically grows to about 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) in height. It has slender, arching stems with pairs of glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves. The fragrant, bell-shaped flowers hang in clusters from the stems and are usually white, though sometimes they can have a pinkish hue.
2. Fragrance: One of the most notable characteristics of Lily of the Valley is its sweet fragrance. The scent is delicate and fresh, often described as being reminiscent of springtime.
3. Symbolism: Lily of the Valley holds various symbolic meanings across different cultures. It’s commonly associated with purity, humility, and happiness. In the language of flowers, it can also represent sweetness, motherhood, and the return of happiness.
4. Cultural Significance: In addition to being associated with May Day celebrations and the arrival of spring, Lily of the Valley has appeared in various cultural contexts. It has been featured in literature, art, and folklore, often representing themes of love, luck, and innocence.
5. Growing Conditions: Lily of the Valley prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It spreads through underground rhizomes and can naturalize in woodland areas. However, it’s important to note that all parts of the Lily of the Valley plant are toxic if ingested, so caution should be taken when planting it, especially in areas where children or pets may be present.
6. Uses: While primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its beauty and fragrance, Lily of the Valley has also been used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential medicinal properties. However, due to its toxicity, it should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Lily of the Valley is a versatile symbol that conveys a range of positive sentiments, from purity and happiness to love and hope. Its timeless beauty and fragrance have made it a beloved flower with enduring cultural significance. This flower carries various symbolic meanings, often depending on cultural and historical contexts. Some common interpretations include:

1. Purity and Innocence: Due to its delicate appearance and sweet fragrance, Lily of the Valley is often associated with purity, innocence, and sweetness. It’s a popular choice for weddings and other celebrations where these qualities are emphasized.
2. Happiness and Joy: The arrival of Lily of the Valley in springtime is seen as a harbinger of happiness and joy, as it blooms during this season of renewal and growth. Its presence can lift spirits and evoke feelings of optimism and cheerfulness.
3. Love and Romance: In some cultures, Lily of the Valley is considered a symbol of love and romance. Its association with the return of happiness and the sweetness of new beginnings makes it a meaningful choice for expressing affection and devotion.
4. Fertility and Motherhood: The bell-shaped flowers of Lily of the Valley have led to associations with fertility and motherhood. It’s sometimes included in bouquets and floral arrangements for expectant mothers or as a gift to celebrate the birth of a child.
5. Hope and Renewal: As a springtime flower, Lily of the Valley symbolizes hope and renewal. Its emergence from the earth after the dormancy of winter represents the promise of new beginnings and the cyclical nature of life.

The history of Lily of the Valley is rich and varied, spanning centuries and encompassing various cultural and symbolic associations. Here are some key points in the history of this beloved flower:

1. Ancient Origins: Lily of the Valley has been cultivated and admired for thousands of years. It has appeared in the folklore, mythology, and medicinal practices of ancient civilizations, including those of the Greeks, Romans, and Celts.
2. Medieval Europe: In medieval Europe, Lily of the Valley became associated with Christian symbolism, often representing the Virgin Mary’s tears shed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It was also considered a symbol of humility and purity, making it a popular choice for religious art and iconography.
3. Renaissance Gardens: During the Renaissance period, Lily of the Valley gained popularity as a garden plant among European nobility and aristocracy. It was cultivated in ornamental gardens for its beauty and fragrance, and it appeared in paintings, tapestries, and decorative arts of the time.
4. Literary References: Lily of the Valley has been celebrated in literature and poetry for its beauty and symbolism. It appears in works by authors such as William Shakespeare, who mentioned it in “The Winter’s Tale,” and Charlotte Brontë, who described it in “Jane Eyre.”
5. Victorian Era: In the Victorian era, the language of flowers became popular as a means of expressing sentiments and emotions through floral arrangements. Lily of the Valley was assigned various meanings in this floral symbolism, including sweetness, purity, and the return of happiness.
6. Cultural Traditions: Lily of the Valley has been incorporated into various cultural traditions and celebrations around the world. In France, it’s associated with May Day (or “La Fête du Muguet”), when it’s customary to give bouquets of Lily of the Valley as tokens of affection and good luck. Similarly, in Sweden, it’s a symbol of spring and is often used in May Day festivities.
7. Botanical and Medicinal Uses: Beyond its symbolic and cultural significance, Lily of the Valley has also been valued for its botanical and medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential cardiac and diuretic effects, although it’s important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and should be handled with care.

Throughout history, Lily of the Valley has captivated people with its beauty, fragrance, and symbolism, earning its place as a beloved flower with enduring cultural significance.