Lily of the Valley - The Birthday Flower for May

Lily of the Valley is a Springtime woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented bell-shaped white flowers. The bloom is known for its pure white flowers and unforgettable perfume. It is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe.

Where Does the Name 'Lily of the Valley' Come From?

The name 'Lily of the Valley' comes from the flower's natural habitat, growing in shady valleys, under the dappled light of woodland. Other traditional names for the flower include Our Lady's Tears and Apollinaris.

The name 'Our Lady's Tears' derives from the bell-shape of the flowers being likened to the tears that the Virgin Mary shed when crying for her crucified son. Another theory is that the flowers symbolise the tears of Eve after God had expelled her and from the Garden of Eden.

The name 'Apollinaris' comes from Greek mythology. Legend has it that the flower was created by the god Apollo as a soft carpet of scented flowers for his  nymphs to walk upon.

The Symbolism of Lily of the Valley

According to the Victorian Flower Dictionary (Victorians used the 'language of flowers' to convey messages to loved ones) the lily of the valley signifies  happiness and luck.

On May 1, 1561, King Charles IX of France received lily of the valley as a gift of luck and continued the tradition every first of May by giving the women of his court this fragrant flower. 

The Birthday Flower for May

Our sterling silver lily of the valley pendant is the perfect gift for a May birthday girl. The silver flower pendant is strikingly realistic, with intricate elements, detailing each curved petal bell. The centre of each bell flower is finished in 18ct gold vermeil.

May Lily of the Valley Birthday Flower Pendant, £75

Matching drop earrings are also available to complete the May Birthday Flower set.

May Lily of the Valley Flower Earrings, £75

Explore each Birthday Flower here: The Birthday Flower Collection