There are two wonderful birth flowers for people born in May. They have fascinating meanings and symbols that you might want to know.
If you want to give a bouquet to someone special born in May, find out which May birth flower fits them perfectly!
What are the birth flowers of May?
May’s birth flowers are the hawthorn and the lily of the valley. These springtime flowers symbolize joy, hope, faith, and purity
These white blossoms emerge during May, but they bloom at different times. Whereas hawthorn produces flowers from late May to early June, lily of the valley bears flowers for three straight weeks in May.
May Birth Flower: Hawthorn
What is another name for hawthorn?
Hawthorn has several names, including mayflower, May tree, quickthorn, thorn apple, and whitethorn.
These names come from either their blooming season or their appearance.
For instance, its thorny monikers such as thorn apple, whitethorn, and quickthorn are inspired by the hawthorn’s small thorns measuring 1 to 3 cm. long.
What does the hawthorn symbolize?
The hawthorn flower symbolizes
- Hope and bliss
- Love
- Fertility
- Safety and protection
The hawthorn symbolizes hope and bliss
Primarily, hawthorns represent hope and bliss. That’s because the flowers bloom just when spring is about to end, and their white and pale pink flower tones can make people calm and happy.
The hawthorn symbolizes love
Hawthorn trees also stand for love and beauty.
As a symbol of beauty, the hawthorn is a popular ornamental flower in gardens and houses. It also conveys gestures of love in a romantic or platonic relationship.
The hawthorn symbolizes fertility
The hawthorn also represents fertility, as it bears abundant flowers, leaves, and fruit. Its raw berries are edible and tasty.
The hawthorn symbolizes safety and protection
As most hawthorn varieties carry thorns, they also embody safety and protection from external threats like spiteful actions from other people, accidents, or bad luck.
The hawthorn signals the change of seasons
The hawthorn signals the shift from spring into summer. Its blooming time often spans from late May to early June, which is the start of the warm days of summer.
What is the cultural significance of the hawthorn tree?
The hawthorn tree is significant in Irish and Greek cultures and the Christian faith:
- The hawthorn is a sacred tree in Ireland that brings luck or protection.
- The hawthorn is used to celebrate the Beltane festival.
- The hawthorn was commonly used at weddings in Ancient Greece.
- Jesus’ crown of thorns is said to be made from hawthorns.
The hawthorn is a sacred tree in Celtic mythology
In Celtic mythology, small fairies dwell in hawthorn trees and protect them with their magic.
As such, hawthorn trees have also been called fairy trees, and people who walk past must treat them with great care and respect.
The hawthorn is used to celebrate the Beltane festival
Hawthorn flowers are used to celebrate the Beltane festival in Ireland. This is a religious event observed during the arrival of spring on May 1st every year.
People celebrate this event by throwing banquets, decorating homes with hawthorn flowers and bushes, lighting large wicker man bonfires, and visiting sacred wells.
The hawthorn was commonly used at weddings in Ancient Greece
To the Ancient Greek people, hawthorns were a symbol of successful love and marriage. They were dedicated to Hymenaeus who is the Greek god of wedding ceremonies, songs, and banquets.
That’s why it was made into bridal bouquets, altar displays, and table centerpieces during wedding events.
Jesus’ crown of thorns is said to be made from hawthorns
The hawthorn tree is deeply revered in the Christian tradition. The crown of thorns Jesus wore at the crucifixion is believed to have been made from a hawthorn tree.
The sacred burning bush, through which God spoke to and commanded Moses to free the Israelites from slavery, was also said to be a hawthorn tree.
What does the hawthorn look like?
The hawthorn has lovely blossoms that appear in white and pink hues, and its fruit or pomes range from red and orange to black.
These blooms are fragrant and attract a wide variety of birds and insect pollinators in the garden.
What are the uses of the hawthorn?
The uses of the hawthorn are
- Decorative hedges in yards
- Treatment for heart and skin-related issues
- Bringing luck to the plant owner and their house
Hawthorns can be used as ornamental hedges
The hawthorn is a popular ornamental hedge. It increases the curbside appeal and privacy of a home, especially during the spring and summer.
According to Web MD, hawthorn flowers, leaves, and fruits are used to alleviate or treat a broad variety of health conditions like heart failure, chest pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, and anxiety.
However, as of now, the beneficial effects of the hawthorn shrub still need further study and testing.
Hawthorns can be used to attract luck
Hawthorn trees are believed to attract fortune, love, and protection.
Are hawthorn trees lucky?
Hawthorn trees are believed to bring luck, love, peace, and protection to the people who plant or use them.
In Ancient Greece and Rome, they signified that a marriage or relationship would be successful.
The wood was made into wedding crowns and torches, while hawthorn flowers were used as bridal bouquets and altar displays at wedding events.
May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley
What is another name for lily of the valley?
The lily of the valley flower is also called May bell, May lily, and Our Lady’s tears. These names are inspired by the plant’s flowering period and its drooping, bell-shaped flowers.
Plus, its botanical name is Convallaria majalis, with the genus name meaning “valley” and the species name translating to “belonging to May,” which is the month of its flowering.
What does the lily of the valley symbolize?
The lily of the valley symbolizes
- Motherhood
- Gentleness
- Purity and innocence
- Humility
Lily of the valley symbolizes motherhood
The lily of the valley represents motherhood. It has white and fragrant flowers that can represent the love and care of a mother for her child.
Additionally, the lily of the valley blooms in clusters. This can be a symbol of a mother surrounded by her children.
Lily of the valley symbolizes purity
Small, delicate, and white, the lily of the valley also suggests purity and innocence.
Lily of the valley symbolizes gentleness
The lily of the valley is a symbol of gentleness toward another person.
The colors of the flowers are white and light pink, paired nicely with the bright green of their leaves. They arch gracefully from their stems, and one can see why they are taken as symbols of gentleness.
Lily of the valley symbolizes modesty
Since the lily of the valley’s flowers and stalks take a bowing shape, the lily of the valley also means modesty or humility.
Unlike the daisy or the rose that stands upright, the lily of the valley shows beauty in its modesty.
What is the cultural significance of the lily of the valley?
The lily of the valley is significant in French culture and the Christian faith:
- The lily of the valley is given on La Fête du Muguet in France.
- In Christian lore, the lily of the valley is said to have come from Eve’s tears.
- The lily of the valley is a Christian symbol of Mary’s tears.
- The lily of the valley represents the West Germanic spring goddess Ēostre.
The lily of the valley is given on La Fête du Muguet in France
La Fête du Muguet (meaning “May Day”) is one of two events celebrated on May 1st every year in France, the other being Labor Day.
On this day, people give a wonderful bouquet of lilies of the valley to their spouses or partner to express their love. This tradition started long ago, in the latter half of the 16th century.
The lily of the valley is said to have come from Eve’s tears
One Christian legend explains the origin of the lily of the valley:
Having been cleverly enticed by the serpent, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit. As a result, they were banished from the Garden of Eden forever.
Eve was crying as she walked out of Paradise, and her tears fell on the ground. These transformed into the very first lily of the valley flowers.
The lily of the valley is a Christian symbol of Mary’s tears
The lily of the valley is also called Our Lady’s tears. For some Christians, it represents Mary’s sadness and tears when Jesus was crucified.
The lily of the valley represents the spring goddess Ēostre
Also, the lily of the valley is strongly associated with the West Germanic spring goddess Ēostra (pronouned ihs-tra).
The white bell-shaped flower represents the virgin goddess’s purity, innocence, and humility.
The name Easter is inspired by the goddess and the fact that this occasion occurs on the first April Sunday of every spring.
Is lily of the valley good luck?
Lily of the valley is believed to attract good luck and love. This notion takes from it being a spring flower blooming in May—the month that is associated with courtship.
And that’s why it was added to the wedding bouquets of many famous people in history, like Queen Victoria and the Hollywood actress Grace Kelly.
Does the lily of the valley protect a person from bad things?
Aside from bringing good luck in love, the lily of the valley was used as a protective charm against witches and bad spirits.
And like the other May birth flower, the hawthorn, it is believed to be favored and protected by garden fairies. If you take care of the lily of the valley flower, the fairies will, in turn, help or protect you.
What does the lily of the valley look like?
The lily of the valley has naturally drooping flowers, lush foliage, and a sweet aroma, making it a great garden or pot flower.
The plant grows a series of bowing delicate bell-like flowers from a leafless stem. The colors of these flowers can be light pink or white.
What are the uses of the lily of the valley?
The uses of the lily of the valley are
- Ground cover or border plant
- Treatment for heart diseases and other conditions
- Nutritious tea
The lily of the valley can be used as a ground cover or border plant
Since it can spread easily on the ground, the lily of the valley can act as a low-ground cover or border plant.
The lily of the valley can be used to treat heart issues
Though its medical benefits are yet to be proven, the lily of the valley is presently used as a natural remedy for dealing with heart issues including heart palpitations and failure.
Apart from that, it can cure a wide range of health conditions, including eye infections, kidney stones, strokes, edema, epilepsy, insomnia, labor issues, and more.
The specific parts of this flower used to make medicine are its dried flower tips, rhizome stem, and roots. However, the lily of the valley has to be used in the right dosage and direction.
The lily of the valley can be drunk as a nutritious tea
The lily of the valley flowers and leaves can be brewed into a herbal tea drink with many health benefits.
For instance, it can reduce the blood pressure of the individual, make them calm and relaxed, or improve their stomach health.
