Month 05 · flower almanac
May
birth flower
Lily of the valley represents the return of happiness and is associated with sweetness and humility. Its delicate bell-shaped flowers symbolize the promise of renewed joy.
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Immediate answer
Lily of the Valley, with Hawthorn as an alternative
- Primary flower
- Lily of the ValleyConvallaria majalis
- Secondary tradition
- HawthornCrataegus spp.
- Symbolic keywords
- Return of Happiness · Humility · Sweetness · Purity
- List policy
- Alternatives are kept visibleBirth-flower lists can vary by publisher and period
Identity
About Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley features tiny, fragrant white bells dangling from arching stems. Despite its delicate appearance, it's a hardy plant that spreads readily in shaded gardens.
- Primary botanical name
- Convallaria majalis
- Secondary botanical name
- Crataegus spp.
Hawthorn is given at genus level because the common name covers many species.
Common color palette
- #FFFFFF
- #FFFACD
- #90EE90
Symbolic tradition
Meanings and associations
Lily of the valley represents the return of happiness and is associated with sweetness and humility. Its delicate bell-shaped flowers symbolize the promise of renewed joy.
Interpretation label: Within flower symbolism, May is associated with gentle, humble, thoughtful, reliable, nurturing. These are cultural descriptors, not traits caused by a birth month.
Context
History and cultural variations
Lily of the valley is native to Europe and Asia. In Christian tradition, it sprang from Eve's tears when she was expelled from Eden. It's traditionally given on May Day in France.
Given on May 1st for luck (Fête du Muguet)
Called 'Our Lady's Tears' - associated with Virgin Mary
National flower
Featured in Kate Middleton's wedding bouquet
Variation note: These summaries document traditions; they do not imply that a meaning is universal within an entire culture.
Practical guide
Cut-flower care and gift ideas
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Keep soil moist but well-drained
- Space plants to allow spreading
- All parts are highly toxic - keep away from pets and children
- Divide in fall to control spread
Budget ideas
Lily of the valley perfume sample · Pressed flower bookmark · Scented candle
Mid-range ideas
Potted lily of the valley · Lily-themed jewelry · Fragrance set
Premium ideas
Emerald jewelry (matching birthstone) · Designer lily of the valley perfume · Antique lily brooch
Botanical fact
Which plant does “lily of the valley” actually mean?
Birth-flower pages usually stop at the common name. That is a problem, because several of these names cover dozens of different plants — so the flower you are sold, plant, or tattoo may not be the one the tradition refers to. Below is the accepted botanical name behind each entry and how precisely it pins the plant down.
| Role | Common name | Botanical name | Precision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Lily of the Valley | Convallaria majalis | One speciesThe common name maps to a single accepted species, so the plant is unambiguous. |
| Alternative | Hawthorn | Crataegus spp. | Whole genusThe common name covers many cultivated species and hybrids, so it names a group rather than one plant. |
Hawthorn is given at genus level because the common name covers many species.
Unlike birthstones, birth flowers were never standardised by a trade body, so publishers genuinely disagree — most often about the second flower of the month, and between British and American lists. This site follows one maintained editorial reference, names it in the source record below, and checks botanical names against Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It does not present the mapping as a single international standard.
If you are buying or planting: ask for the botanical name above rather than the common one. A “lily of the valley” from two suppliers can be two different plants with different hardiness, size, and care needs.