May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn Guide

May Birth Flowers are powerful messengers of love, purity, and tradition. Each month has special blooms carrying unique symbolism, cultural meanings, and timeless charm.

For May, the may birth flower shines beautifully through the Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. These two blossoms are not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in history, mythology, and seasonal celebrations.

Whether you are curious about the birth flower of May, want to explore may flower meaning, or are looking for unique gifts like a may birth flower necklace, this guide explains everything in simple detail.

From cultural stories to tattoo inspiration and jewelry ideas, you’ll discover why the May birth flower holds such strong emotional and symbolic value.

The Birth Flowers for All 12 Months of the Year

Birth flowers are similar to birthstones and zodiac signs. They carry symbolism connected with personality traits, seasonal cycles, and cultural heritage.

Each month has flowers that represent human emotions, hopes, and virtues. The idea of birth flowers by month began centuries ago, often tied to festivals, seasonal agriculture, and spiritual practices.

For May, the may birth flowers — Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn — symbolize purity, sweetness, renewal, and protection.

Before we explore their symbolism in depth, let us take a quick look at the complete list of birth month flowers for the entire year.

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Learning about the birth flower of May and other months helps you stay connected to natural cycles. Such traditions reflect how closely people once lived with flowers, herbs, and the seasons.

Why Are There Two Birth Flowers Per Month?

You might ask, what is the May birth flower if two different ones are associated with the month. In fact, most months have two birth flowers. This tradition comes from regional differences and cultural adaptations.

Some flowers bloom earlier or later depending on climate. Historical texts from Europe, Asia, and America listed different flowers, which led to multiple choices for each month.

For May, the lily of the valley birth flower reflects purity and new beginnings, while the hawthorn birth flower emphasizes fertility, love, and protection. Together, they balance innocence and passion, softness and strength.

May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley

The Lily of the Valley flower is delicate, shaped like small white bells hanging gracefully from green stems. It is called the may lily flower, and its fragrance is sweet yet refreshing.

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Lily of the Valley Meaning and Symbolism

The lily of the valley meaning is often tied to humility, purity, and sweetness. In Victorian flower language, giving this flower meant offering sincere love.

The lily of the valley symbolism also extends to renewal because it blooms in May, marking spring’s peak beauty.

This flower is known as Our Lady’s Tears flower, connected with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition. It is said that when she wept during the Crucifixion, her tears turned into lily of the valley flowers.

In weddings, the lily of the valley wedding bouquet has been a symbol of purity and eternal happiness.

Princess Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton both carried this flower at their weddings, making it a global symbol of love and commitment.

Lily of the Valley Folklore and Cultural Traditions

According to European legends, the lily of the valley folklore tells of its magical power to protect gardens from evil spirits.

In France, May 1st is celebrated with May Day flowers, where people give sprigs of may lily flowers for luck and happiness.

In Nordic myths, this flower was linked with the goddess Ostara, representing spring and fertility. The lily of the valley tattoo meaning often reflects purity of heart, renewal, and hope for the future.

May Birth Flower: Hawthorn

The second may birth flower is the hawthorn tree flower, known for its tiny clusters of blossoms and its strong connection to Celtic traditions.

Hawthorn Flower Meaning and Symbolism

The hawthorn flower meaning connects with love, fertility, and protection. The blossoms were often used in weddings during ancient Celtic festivals. The hawthorn symbolism also ties it with happiness in marriage, making it a symbol of lasting partnerships.

The may hawthorn blossom is often referred to as Mary’s flower of May because it blooms during this sacred month in the Christian calendar. Its presence in villages was a sign of blessing and harmony.

Celtic Hawthorn Mythology

In Celtic traditions, the celtic hawthorn mythology gave this tree mystical importance. The hawthorn was considered sacred to fairies, and harming it was believed to bring misfortune.

This hawthorn fertility symbolism made it part of May Day festivals, representing love, growth, and renewal.

Even today, people wear or display hawthorn blossoms in May festivals, honoring ancient customs that celebrate spring, life, and community. The hawthorn birth flower continues to symbolize balance between spiritual purity and earthly fertility.

May Birth Flower Tattoo

Tattoos are powerful personal expressions. A may birth flower tattoo is perfect for anyone born in May or those celebrating connections to this month.

The lily of the valley tattoo usually stands for innocence, renewal, and spiritual strength, while the hawthorn flower tattoo is chosen for themes of love, resilience, and magical protection.

People often combine both designs to balance purity and passion. The lily of the valley tattoo meaning resonates with new beginnings, while the hawthorn adds depth with strength and fertility symbolism.

The Birth Month Flowers

Every month has its symbolic flowers, each with stories and cultural importance. Let’s look at the full list of birth month flowers list, which also reflects flower meanings by month.

January ~ Carnation & Snowdrop

Carnations symbolize admiration and love, while Snowdrops mark hope and renewal in winter. Together, they bring warmth and optimism during the coldest month.

February ~ Violet & Primrose

The Violet represents loyalty and humility. The Primrose symbolizes youthful love and protection. These spring birth flowers mark the approaching season of growth.

March ~ Daffodil & Jonquil

The Daffodil reflects rebirth and new beginnings. Jonquil carries similar meaning but adds affection and eternal love.

April ~ Daisy & Sweet Pea

Daisies symbolize innocence and loyal love. Sweet Peas represent delicate pleasure and gratitude, often gifted to express appreciation.

May ~ Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

The may birth flowers bring a mix of purity and fertility, protection and sweetness. Together, they show the full symbolism of flowers that bloom in May.

June ~ Rose & Honeysuckle

Roses symbolize love and passion, while Honeysuckle represents bonds of affection and eternal devotion.

July ~ Larkspur & Water Lily

The Larkspur stands for positivity and strong bonds, while the Water Lily reflects peace, purity, and enlightenment.

August ~ Gladiolus & Poppy

The Gladiolus symbolizes strength and integrity. The Poppy represents remembrance, consolation, and imagination.

September ~ Aster & Morning Glory

Asters stand for patience and elegance. Morning Glories symbolize affection and deep emotional connections.

October ~ Marigold & Cosmos

Marigolds represent warmth, creativity, and remembrance. Cosmos stands for order, peace, and balance.

November ~ Chrysanthemum

This flower symbolizes loyalty, honesty, and friendship. In many cultures, it is also a symbol of long life.

December ~ Narcissus & Holly

Narcissus reflects self-reflection and renewal, while Holly represents protection and joy during the holiday season.

May Birth Flower Necklace

Jewelry carries emotional and symbolic meaning. A may birth flower necklace is a thoughtful gift for birthdays, weddings, or Mother’s Day.

Designs often feature the lily of the valley birth flower in silver or gold pendants, or delicate hawthorn birth flower jewelry.

A may flower pendant can also include gemstones like the may birthstone emerald, blending beauty with astrological meaning.

Personalized may birth flower jewelry has become popular, often including initials, zodiac charms, or hand-engraved may flower traditions.

For personalized May birth flower gifts, options include lockets with engraved flowers, rings featuring spring birth flowers, and pendants symbolizing may flower for love and happiness. These pieces combine modern style with timeless symbolic flowers of spring.

Final Thoughts

The may birth flower offers more than simple beauty. It carries centuries of traditions, folklore, and meanings tied to the natural cycle of spring.

The lily of the valley flower reminds us of humility, renewal, and purity, while the hawthorn flower meaning emphasizes fertility, love, and magical protection.

Both flowers bloom in May, which is also the month of flowers for Mother’s Day May, May Day flowers, and festivals celebrating growth and renewal.

Pairing the may birthday flowers with the may birthstone emerald or the may zodiac signs Taurus Gemini creates powerful personal symbols.

Whether you wear a may birth flower necklace, choose a may birth flower tattoo, or simply enjoy flowers that bloom in May, you are celebrating a beautiful tradition that connects the human heart with the natural world.