As April showers pave the way for May flowers, nature unveils some of its most delicate and enchanting creations. Among the myriad blossoms emerging from the ground this time of year, two gems stand out as the quintessential flowers of May.
These blooms take center stage during the month, weaving tales of love, hope, and renewal. Whether adorning a bridal bouquet, gracing a garden, or simply brightening a room, these May birth flowers remind us to embrace the joys of the season and cherish the wonders of nature's bounty.
What are the May birth flowers?
The May birth flowers are the lily of the valley and hawthorn.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a dainty perennial plant native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Characterized by its bell-shaped, white flowers that hang delicately from slender stems, this plant exudes a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that heralds the arrival of spring.
The hawthorn (Crataegus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). Known for its clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers and thorny branches, the hawthorn is commonly found in and around hedgerows, woodlands, and gardens.
What is the history of lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley appears in ancient Greek mythology with the story of the god Apollo. According to legend, Apollo fell in love with a beautiful nymph named Smilax. As Apollo pursued her, Smilax transformed herself into a delicate white flower — now believed to be lily of the valley — to evade his advances. Despite her efforts, Apollo continued to admire her beauty, and the flower became a symbol of his affection and eternal admiration.
According to Christian folklore, lily of the valley sprang from the tears of the Virgin Mary during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, earning it the moniker "Our Lady's Tears" or "Mary's Tears."
In medieval Europe, lily of the valley was often associated with May Day festivities, where it adorned maypoles and garlands as a symbol of spring's arrival and the renewal of life. The flower also holds special significance in Scandinavian folklore, where it is believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits when carried on one's person.
What does lily of the valley symbolize?
With its pristine white blossoms and sweet fragrance, lily of the valley has long been regarded as a symbol of innocence and purity. The flower is also closely associated with love and devotion, symbolizing deep affection and devotion between partners.
Another symbolic meaning of lily of the valley is hope and happiness. As a harbinger of spring, the flower's arrival signals the end of winter and the promise of new beginnings.
How to care for lily of the valley
Caring for lily of the valley requires a delicate touch to match the flower’s fragile beauty. Here are some essential care tips:
- Sunlight: Lily of the valley thrives in partial to full shade conditions. Choose a planting location that receives dappled sunlight or shade for the majority of the day.
- Planting: Plant lily of the valley rhizomes (underground stems) in early spring or late summer/early fall for best results. Dig a hole slightly larger than the rhizome and place it in the soil, ensuring the roots are spread out evenly. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During hot summer months, provide additional watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
- Division: Lily of the valley tends to spread rapidly. Every few years, divide overcrowded clumps in early spring or late summer to rejuvenate the plants and prevent overcrowding.
- Winter care: In regions with cold winters, apply a layer of mulch over the soil surface to protect the rhizomes from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in early spring once the threat of frost has passed.
3 interesting facts about lily of the valley
- Despite its alluring appearance and intoxicating fragrance, all parts of the lily of the valley are highly poisonous if ingested.
- The scent of lily of the valley is often described as floral, with hints of honey and citrus, making it a popular choice for fragrances, candles, and toiletries.
- In France, lily of the valley is customarily given on May 1, a public holiday called La Fête du Muguet (the French’s version of May Day), as a symbol of good luck and happiness.
May birth flower gift ideas
What is the history of the hawthorn?
According to Celtic mythology, the hawthorn was regarded as a symbol of protection and associated with the Otherworld, the realm of the gods and spirits. It was believed to serve as a gateway between the mortal world and the divine.
The plant also features prominently in the legends of the faeries and the Sidhe (pronounced "shee"), the mystical beings of Celtic folklore. It was said that the faeries would gather beneath the branches of the hawthorn on moonlit nights, bestowing blessings or mischief upon those who encountered them.
In Christianity, the hawthorn was often referred to as the "May Tree" or "May Blossom," and was linked to the celebration of May Day and the feast of Beltane, which marked the beginning of summer. Some historians also believe that hawthorn may have been used to fashion the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
Today, in some regions, it is still customary to decorate maypoles and garlands with hawthorn blossoms during May Day festivities.
What does the hawthorn symbolize?
One of the most prominent symbolic meanings of the hawthorn is protection. In various cultures and traditions, the hawthorn has been revered for its purported ability to ward off evil spirits, lightning strikes, and negative energies.
The hawthorn is also closely associated with themes of love and romance. In Celtic folklore, it was believed that couples who met beneath the branches of the hawthorn would be blessed with enduring love and happiness.
The hawthorn is also associated with:
- Transformation and spiritual growth (due to its association with the Otherworld and the mystical realm of the faeries in Celtic mythology)
- The arrival of spring and renewal of life (due to its inclusion in May Day celebrations)
- Resilience and endurance (due to its thorny exterior and ability to thrive in diverse environments)
How to care for the hawthorn
Hawthorns are not the easiest trees to grow, so it’s imperative to give them the proper care. Here’s how best to do it.
- Sunlight: Hawthorns prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a planting location that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Hawthorns can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, but sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal.
- Planting: Plant hawthorn trees in the early spring or late fall. Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of the tree. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill the hole with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Pruning: Pruning is best done during the dormant season, in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season, as this can stress the tree.
- Pest and disease management: Hawthorn trees may occasionally be affected by issues such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, or aphid infestations. If this occurs, take appropriate measures to manage them, such as pruning affected branches or applying organic pesticides.
- Winter care: In regions with cold winters, protect young hawthorn trees from frost and freezing temperatures by wrapping the trunk with tree wrap or burlap.
3 interesting facts about the hawthorn
- The berries of certain hawthorn species are eatable and are used in jams, jellies, and syrups.
- Those berries, as well as the leaves and flowers, are also valued for their purported cardiovascular benefits. They have been used in herbal remedies and tonics to treat conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders.
- Hawthorn trees are known for their longevity and can live for several decades, with some specimens surviving for over a century.
Birth month flowers
Learn more about birth month flowers in our article series.
August - Gladiolus & Poppy
October - Marigold & Cosmos
December - Holly & Narcissus
February - Violet and Primrose
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