The Birth Flowers of May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
The Birth Flowers of May: Each month of the year is traditionally linked to specific flowers, much like birthstones. These birth flowers are rich in meaning and are a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s birthday or honour the seasons. For the month of May, there are two official birth flowers: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn.
These blooms not only bring a unique charm to floral arrangements but also carry special symbolism that adds a personal touch to gifts or tributes.
🌿 Lily of the Valley: Delicate Beauty and Deep Meaning
The Lily of the Valley is the most well-known birth flower for May. It’s a delicate plant with tiny bell-shaped white flowers that hang from slender, green stems. Its sweet, fresh fragrance and graceful appearance make it a favourite in spring bouquets and wedding arrangements.
✨ Symbolism and Meaning
Lily of the Valley is often associated with:
- Purity
- Humility
- Sweetness
- A return to happiness
It is commonly used in bridal bouquets, symbolising new beginnings, and is also a popular choice for sympathy flowers, offering gentle comfort.
One of the most touching meanings of the Lily of the Valley is “return to happiness,” making it a meaningful flower for anyone who’s been through a difficult time and is finding their way forward again.
🌼 In History and Tradition
Lily of the Valley has been cherished for centuries. In Victorian times, it was seen as a symbol of refined beauty and humility. It is also deeply rooted in Christian symbolism, often associated with the Virgin Mary, and is seen as a representation of purity and devotion.
In France, May 1st is known as La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley Day), when people gift small bouquets of the flower to loved ones as a gesture of good luck and happiness.
💐 Perfect Uses
- Birthday bouquets for May
- Wedding flowers or anniversary gifts
- Sympathy tributes and remembrance pieces
- Springtime table decorations
Because of its dainty appearance, Lily of the Valley pairs well with roses, peonies, and greenery, creating soft and elegant arrangements.
🌳 Hawthorn: A Lesser-Known Gem
The second birth flower for May is the Hawthorn, also known as the May Tree. Unlike Lily of the Valley, which is a flowering plant, Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or small tree that bursts into clusters of tiny white or pink blossoms in May.
It’s also where the term “May blossom” comes from — you’ll often see countryside hedgerows filled with its blossoms around mid to late spring.
✨ Symbolism and Meaning
Hawthorn carries different meanings depending on the culture, but it’s generally linked with:
- Hope
- Protection
- Love and fertility
- Balance and nature
In Celtic folklore, Hawthorn trees were believed to be sacred, often associated with fairies and spiritual protection. The blooming of Hawthorn marked the start of May and was celebrated in ancient festivals like Beltane, a spring fertility celebration.
🌼 In the Language of Flowers
In the Victorian “language of flowers”, Hawthorn symbolised hope and happiness. It was often used in floral arrangements given to encourage optimism and peaceful relationships.
Though less common in modern floristry, its symbolism makes Hawthorn a thoughtful addition to wildflower-style bouquets or rustic arrangements, especially in May-themed designs.
💐 Gifting May Birth Flowers
Giving someone their birth flower is a meaningful and personal gift idea. Whether it’s a bouquet, a small arrangement, or even a potted plant, May’s birth flowers carry beautiful symbolism that adds depth and care to your gesture.
Here are some occasions where May birth flowers are a perfect choice:
- Birthday gifts for someone born in May
- Mother’s Day (which often falls in May)
- New baby gifts for May-born children
- Weddings and spring anniversaries
- Memorials and funeral tributes
🌼 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re honouring a birthday, planning a special event, or simply want to enjoy the meaning behind seasonal flowers, May’s birth blooms — Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn — offer beauty, history, and heartfelt symbolism.
These flowers remind us of purity, fresh starts, and nature’s renewal — a perfect fit for the bright, blooming month of May.
