The May birth flower is actually two beautiful blooms: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. I have always loved how May gets two birth flowers. One is delicate and sweet. The other is wild and protective. Together they perfectly capture the spirit of May, a month of blooming, growth, and the full arrival of spring. This guide covers everything about both May birth flowers. Their meanings, their histories, their legends, and how to gift them.
What Are Birth Flowers?
Birth flowers symbolize each month of the year. People introduced this tradition in the early 18th century when they brought the language of flowers to England. Each flower carries specific meanings and characteristics that people believe individuals born in that month inherit. Some months have one flower, while others—like May—have two primary flowers. And Lily of the Valley stands as the best-known May flower, while Hawthorn serves as a meaningful secondary choice.
Lily of the Valley: Primary May Birth Flower
Lily of the Valley is the flower most people think of for May. It has tiny white bell shaped flowers that hang from a delicate stem. The scent is sweet and unmistakable. This flower is a symbol of spring, happiness, and the return of good things . It is also called “May Lily” because it blooms so reliably in May .
Scientific name: Convallaria majalis
Meaning: Return of happiness, sweetness, purity, humility
Symbolism: Motherhood, springtime, renewal
Colors: White (most common), pale pink, yellow, purple
Fragrance: Intensely sweet and floral
Bloom time: April to June, peaks in May
- Lily of the Valley means return of happiness
- The scientific name majalis means belonging to May
- This flower is highly fragrant
- Lily of the Valley is a ground cover plant
- It spreads through underground rhizomes
- The flowers are bell shaped and white
- Each stem has multiple tiny bells
- The leaves are broad and oval shaped
- This plant is native to Europe
- It grows well in shade
Hawthorn: Secondary May Birth Flower
Hawthorn serves as a lesser-known May birth flower, but it holds equal importance. It grows as a flowering shrub or small tree and blooms in May. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that form in clusters. Hawthorn releases a strong, controversial scent that some people love while others dislike. A chemical called trimethylamine creates this scent, and people also associate it with death. This connection gives hawthorn a dual reputation. It symbolizes protection and happiness, yet it also carries superstitions linked to illness and death.
Scientific name: Crataegus (various species)
Meaning: Protection, happiness, good wishes
Symbolism: Love, fertility, hope
Colors: White and pink
Fragrance: Strong, controversial, some find it unpleasant
Bloom time: May
Fruit: Small red berries called haws
- Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or tree
- The flowers grow in clusters
- Small red berries called haws appear after flowering
- Birds eat the berries in winter
- The wood and berries are used in jellies and ketchup
- Hawthorn is very undemanding
- It can grow almost anywhere
- The plant is native to Europe, North America, and Asia
- Some people believe hawthorn cannot be brought indoors
- Bringing it inside is said to bring illness or death
Lily of the Valley Symbolism and Meaning
Lily of the Valley carries many beautiful meanings. It symbolizes the return of happiness. This comes from an old legend that the flower sprang from Eve’s tears as she left the Garden of Eden . It also represents purity, humility, and sweetness . In the language of flowers, giving Lily of the Valley means you believe happiness is returning to someone’s life. It is a flower of hope and renewal.
- Return of happiness is the primary meaning
- Purity is associated with the white color
- Humility because the flowers hang downward
- Sweetness from the gentle fragrance
- Chastity is another traditional meaning
- Motherhood is a modern association
- Royalty connections exist across Europe
- Springtime and renewal are natural symbols
- Hope is implied in the return of happiness
- Love is expressed through this flower
Hawthorn Symbolism and Meaning
Hawthorn has more complex meanings. It traditionally represents good wishes and protection . People would hang hawthorn branches over their doors in May for good luck . But hawthorn also has darker associations. It is linked to death and superstition. Some believe bringing it inside causes illness. Others see it as a fairy plant that must be respected . This dual nature makes hawthorn a fascinating birth flower.
- Good wishes and hope are positive meanings
- Protection is the most common meaning
- Good luck comes from May Day traditions
- Fertility is associated with the berries
- Love is represented by the flowers
- Supreme happiness is another meaning
- Death is the superstitious association
- Illness is feared if brought indoors
- Fairy protection was believed by Celts
- Wands were made from fallen hawthorn branches
Lily of the Valley Legends and History
Lily of the Valley has rich legends. One Christian legend says the flower grew from Eve’s tears as she was expelled from the Garden of Eden . Another legend from Ukraine tells of a young woman waiting for her love to return from war. Her tears fell on the forest floor and became fragrant lilies of the valley . The flower is also called “Our Lady’s Tears” in some traditions.
- Ukrainian legend links tears to the flower’s creation
- The flower is also called ladder to heaven
- Irish people call it fairy ladders
- Eve’s tears legend is the most famous
- The flower represents the return of happiness
- In France, people give Lily of the Valley on May Day
- The tradition symbolizes good luck and happiness
- Finland adopted Lily of the Valley as its national flower
- The plant is highly toxic despite its beauty
- All parts of the plant are poisonous
Hawthorn Legends and History
Hawthorn has some of the most fascinating legends. The most famous hawthorns are in Glastonbury, Britain. Local legend says Joseph of Arimathea visited the town carrying the Holy Grail. He thrust his staff into the ground. It took root and grew into a hawthorn tree . This special variety flowers twice a year. Local children send a sprig to the Queen for her Christmas dinner table.
- The Glastonbury hawthorns hold the title of the most famous examples.
- The legend of Joseph of Arimathea connects the tree to the Holy Grail.
- People believed the tree flowered at Christmas.
- Children send sprigs to the Queen every year.
- The Celts believed faeries inhabited hawthorn trees.
- A hawthorn bush lured Thomas the Rhymer inside.
- He remained there for seven years before returning.
- People used hawthorn wood to make May Day poles.
- Witches made wands from fallen hawthorn branches.
- Hawthorn once surrounded Westminster Abbey
Lily of the Valley in Weddings and Celebrations
Lily of the Valley is a beloved wedding flower. Its sweet scent and delicate appearance make it perfect for bridal bouquets. Royal brides have chosen Lily of the Valley for their weddings. Kate Middleton included it in her spectacular all white bridal bouquet . Grace Kelly’s bouquet decades earlier was made entirely of Lily of the Valley . The flower represents the return of happiness, a perfect sentiment for a wedding.
- Royal brides love Lily of the Valley
- Kate Middleton used it in her wedding bouquet
- Grace Kelly had a full Lily of the Valley bouquet
- The flower symbolizes returning happiness
- It represents purity and new beginnings
- May brides often choose this flower
- The 13th wedding anniversary is the lily of the valley anniversary
- In France, the flower is a symbol of May Day
- People give it to loved ones on May 1
- Keeping it in the home symbolizes lasting happiness
Hawthorn in Traditions and Superstitions
Hawthorn has deep roots in May Day traditions. People would go out on the first of May to gather flowering hawthorn branches. They called this practice “going a-Maying” . The branches were placed above doors for good luck. A traditional rhyme says any maiden who washes in the dew from a hawthorn tree on May first will be beautiful forever . These traditions connect hawthorn strongly to spring celebrations.
- People once practiced the tradition of going a-Maying.
- They placed branches above doors for good luck.
- People believed washing in May Day dew brought beauty.
- Witches used fallen hawthorn branches.
- People feared that damaging a hawthorn bush would anger fairies.
- Hawthorn produces delicate and sweet flowers.
- Florists use the berries as bouquet fillers.
- People make edible jelly from haws.
- The seeds inside haw berries contain poison.
- Many believe hawthorn should not be brought into the house.
Lily of the Valley Growing Tips
Lily of the Valley is easy to grow in the right conditions. It prefers partial to full shade. It spreads through underground rhizomes and can become invasive if not controlled. The plant grows well under trees and in woodland gardens. It blooms reliably in May. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. Do not plant it where children or pets might eat it.
- Lily of the Valley loves shade
- It grows well under trees
- The plant spreads through rhizomes
- It can become invasive
- Plant pips in fall for spring blooms
- Keep soil moist but not wet
- The plant is drought tolerant once established
- Divide clumps every few years
- All parts are highly poisonous
- Wear gloves when handling
Hawthorn Growing Tips
Hawthorn is very undemanding. It can grow almost anywhere . It tolerates poor soil, wind, and urban conditions. The shrub or small tree is often used as a hedge plant. The name hawthorn comes from the Old English word “haga,” meaning hedge . Birds love the haws and help spread the seeds. Hawthorn is a valuable wildlife plant.
- Hawthorn grows almost anywhere
- It tolerates poor soil conditions
- The plant withstands wind and urban pollution
- Hawthorn is ideal for hedges
- The thorns provide excellent security
- Birds eat the haws in winter
- Plant bare root trees in fall or early spring
- Little maintenance is needed
- Prune after flowering to shape
- The plant is very long lived
May Birth Flower Gifts and Ideas
Gifting May birth flowers shows thoughtfulness and care. People often give Lily of the Valley as a potted plant because its cut stems wilt quickly. It also works beautifully in perfumes and scented products. You can cut hawthorn branches and display them in water for decoration. Hawthorn berry products like jams and jellies make unique and meaningful gifts. Many also choose jewelry and keepsakes featuring these birth flowers for May birthdays.
- Potted Lily of the Valley plants are excellent gifts
- Lily of the Valley perfume captures the scent
- Fragrant candles make thoughtful presents
- Hawthorn branches can be cut and displayed
- Hawthorn berry jelly is a unique gift
- Birth flower jewelry is a popular keepsake
- Gardeners would appreciate bare root plants
- A framed print of either flower is lovely
- Scented soaps feature Lily of the Valley
- Botanical illustrations are elegant gift options
Comparison of May Birth Flowers
Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn are very different flowers. Lily of the Valley is small, delicate, and fragrant. Hawthorn is robust, wild, and protective. Lily of the Valley represents sweetness and humility. Hawthorn represents protection and good wishes. One is a ground cover. The other is a tree or shrub. Together they represent the full range of May birthdays.
How To Choose Lily of the Valley as a Gift
Lily of the Valley is perfect for someone who needs a return of happiness. It is a thoughtful gift for anyone recovering from illness, grief, or hard times. The flower is also ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and new beginnings. It suits gentle, sweet natured people. The fragrance is beloved by many but too strong for some. Consider a potted plant rather than cut flowers because the blooms do not last long once cut.
- Give Lily of the Valley for a return to happiness
- It is perfect for recovery and healing
- The flower suits weddings and new beginnings
- Sweet natured people love this flower
- Consider the fragrance sensitivity
- Potted plants last longer than cut stems
- The flower represents May birthdays beautifully
- Pair with a card explaining the meaning
- Combine with other spring flowers in a bouquet
- Lily of the Valley also works in perfume gifts
How To Choose Hawthorn as a Gift
Hawthorn is a more unusual birth flower gift. It suits people who are strong, independent, and protective of their loved ones. The flowers are best given as cut branches in spring. The berries make unique edible gifts like jams and jellies. Hawthorn wine is another possibility. A small hawthorn tree planted in someone’s garden is a gift that lasts for generations. The plant’s protective meaning makes it ideal for a new home.
- Hawthorn suits strong and protective people
- Cut branches work beautifully in spring displays
- Hawthorn berry jelly is unique and memorable
- Plant a hawthorn tree as a living gift
- The tree provides shelter for birds and wildlife
- Hawthorn symbolizes protection for a new home
- Give hawthorn to someone who needs good wishes
- The flower is perfect for nature lovers
- Combine hawthorn with other native plants
- A hawthorn hedge provides privacy and security
FAQs
What is the primary May birth flower?
The primary May birth flower is Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). It symbolizes the return of happiness, sweetness, purity, and humility. The scientific name includes majalis, meaning “belonging to May” .
What is the secondary May birth flower?
The secondary May birth flower is Hawthorn (Crataegus). It symbolizes good wishes and protection. It is often associated with May Day traditions and is considered a lucky plant when hung over doorways .
Why does May have two birth flowers?
Many months have two birth flowers. May has Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. One is more common in floral arrangements. The other is more common in gardens and hedgerows. Having two flowers gives more options for gifting .
Is Lily of the Valley poisonous?
Yes, all parts of Lily of the Valley are highly poisonous. The plant contains cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart. Poisonings have occurred when people drank the water from a vase containing these flowers .
Can hawthorn be brought indoors?
Tradition warns against bringing hawthorn indoors. Some people believe it invites illness or bad luck, while others say it disturbs protective spirits. These beliefs come from folklore, not science.
What are hawthorn berries used for?
People use hawthorn berries, known as haws, to make jellies, jams, and even ketchup. They contain vitamin C and pectin, making them useful in cooking. While the flesh is edible, the seeds are toxic. Birds commonly eat haws during winter..
Conclusion
May birth flowers are a study in contrasts. Lily of the Valley is delicate, fragrant, and sweet. It whispers of happiness returning. Hawthorn is wild, thorny, and protective. It shouts of good wishes and good luck. Together they represent the duality of May. Soft spring blooms giving way to the wildness of summer. Both are beautiful. Both are meaningful. And Both are perfect for people born in this month of growth. So here is my question for you Are you a May baby? Do you prefer the delicate Lily of the Valley or the wild protective Hawthorn? Drop your answer in the comments below. Let us celebrate May birthdays together. I will go first. My favorite is Lily of the Valley. That scent is unforgettable. What is yours?
Ethan Carter is a nature enthusiast and content writer with a passion for flowers and botanical knowledge. He is the author behind FlowerNamez, where he shares simple and informative content about flower names, types, and meanings.
With a focus on clarity and accuracy, Ethan aims to help readers explore the beauty of flowers and understand their significance in everyday life.