May birth flower · Convallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley meaning & symbolism
The lily of the valley stands for sweetness, humility and the return of happiness. Here's what each color means, where the flower comes from, and how to use it.
Lily of the Valley color meanings
- White: purity, humility and good luck
- Pink (rare): love and admiration
History & folklore
Lily of the valley is woven into European folklore as "Mary's tears." In France, people give sprigs as good-luck gifts on May 1. It has been a royal wedding favorite, from Grace Kelly's bouquet to Kate Middleton's.
In birth flower charts it's paired with the hawthorn.
Fun facts
- Every part of the plant is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children.
- It is one of the most expensive wedding flowers because it blooms for such a short season.
- Its fragrance is famously hard to extract, so most "muguet" perfumes recreate it synthetically.
As a tattoo
The arched stem of tiny hanging bells is one of the most elegant fine-line tattoos you can get. It suits the inner arm, ribs or back of the neck, and it rarely needs color. See more May birth flower tattoo ideas.
May birth flower May birthstone
Lily of the Valley gifts
Lily of the Valley necklaces on Amazon →Lily of the Valley botanical prints on Amazon →We may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Questions, answered
What does a lily of the valley symbolize?
The lily of the valley symbolizes sweetness, humility and the return of happiness.
What month is the lily of the valley birth flower?
Lily of the Valley is a birth flower for May.
What do lily of the valley colors mean?
White: purity, humility and good luck; Pink (rare): love and admiration.
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