May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley’s Origin & History
For those who are born in May, one of their birth flowers is none other than the lovely lily of the valley! This delicate flower has a rich history and symbolism that I’m sure everyone will find it interesting.
Linguistic Roots for the Name “Lily of the Valley”
Lily of the valley hails from northern Europe, without an original Latin or Greek name to its credit. The pious monks who named it were well-versed in botany and chose a fittingly religious-sounding Latin title for this delicate flower — Lilium convallium (now known as Convallaria majalis). This charming nickname not only references the lily’s tendency to bloom in valley regions, but also nods to the poetic phrase from the Song of Solomon: “I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley.”
The official Latin name Convallaria majalis means valley (convallaria) and the month of May (majalis), which probably refers to where and when it blooms.
The Flower’s History
One of the alternative names for Lily of the Valley is Our Lady’s Tears. Legend has it that the flower sprung up from the Virgin Mary’s tears, which she shed at the foot of the cross. That’s why the flower became associated with Mary.
In the olden days, young people used to pick bouquets of lily of the valley because they believed it would bring them luck in love. One of the reason was due to the timing of the plant’s bloom. That is why it’s often referred to as May Lily or May Bells.
One legend tells that nightingales only sing their sweet melodies when the air is filled with the alluring scent of lily of the valley. Perhaps it’s no surprise that these enchanting flowers are also known as Fairy’s Bells.
These blooms have been charming brides since the Middle Ages! Their delicate petals are not only stunning in the bride’s bouquet, but they’re said to symbolize modesty and also purity.
Perhaps this dichotomy is one of the reasons the plant has become a symbol for making the right choice. The plant has attributes that reflect of the profound opposites we find in life, that of poison and healing, or life and death.
Speaking with Lily of the Valley
If you send lily of the valley to someone, you are sending a message that you desire fortune in love or that you wish to make the right choice.
