May Birth Flower
The May birth flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn. Discover their meanings, colors, and symbolism of sweetness, humility, happiness, and hope.
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The May birth flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn. Lily of the valley symbolizes sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness, while hawthorn represents hope and supreme happiness — joyful blooms for late spring.
May Birth Flowers at a Glance
May’s birth flowers are the delicate lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) and the blossoming hawthorn (Crataegus). As late spring reaches its peak, May is a month of sweetness and renewed joy — themes carried beautifully by both of its flowers.
| Flower | Botanical name | Core meaning | Bloom season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lily of the valley | Convallaria majalis | Sweetness, humility, returning happiness | Late spring |
| Hawthorn | Crataegus | Hope, supreme happiness, protection | Late spring |
Lily of the Valley: Sweetness and Returning Happiness
Lily of the valley is May’s primary birth flower — a low woodland plant whose tiny, bell-shaped white blooms release one of the most prized fragrances in the floral world. For centuries it has symbolized sweetness, humility, purity, and the return of happiness.
Its meanings include:
- Sweetness and humility — modest blooms, unforgettable scent
- Return of happiness — a wish that joy will come back
- Purity and good luck — a favorite in spring weddings
For someone born in May, lily of the valley speaks of a gentle, sweet nature and the hope that happiness will always find its way home. Note that the plant is toxic if eaten, so it should be kept away from children and pets.
Hawthorn: Hope and Supreme Happiness
Hawthorn is May’s secondary flower — a hardy flowering shrub or small tree that bursts into clouds of white or pink blossom in late spring. Deeply tied to May Day and ancient spring festivals, hawthorn symbolizes hope, supreme happiness, and protection.
In folklore, the hawthorn was believed to guard homes against harm and bring good fortune, while its abundant blossoms marked the height of spring’s fertility and joy. As a May flower, hawthorn adds themes of optimism, celebration, and protective good luck to the month’s symbolism.
Symbolism and the Language of Flowers
Together, May’s flowers send a hopeful, joyful message:
- Lily of the valley conveyed sweetness, humility, and a wish for happiness to return.
- Hawthorn expressed hope, supreme happiness, and protection.
This pairing makes May’s flowers especially fitting for celebrations of joy, fresh happiness, and new chapters — which is why lily of the valley in particular is a classic choice for spring weddings and bridal bouquets.
How to Use May Birth Flowers
May birth flowers make sweet, hopeful gifts:
- Birthday bouquets — fragrant lily of the valley with seasonal spring blooms for May-born loved ones.
- Birth-flower jewelry — lily of the valley pendants and charms for a delicate, elegant look.
- Tattoos — lily of the valley to symbolize sweetness and returning happiness, or hawthorn blossom for hope and protection.
- Wedding and celebration gifts — lily of the valley’s purity and luck make it a treasured choice.
Whether you choose the sweet lily of the valley or the hopeful hawthorn, May’s birth flowers carry warm wishes for sweetness, happiness, and the joy of late spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birth flower for May?
May has two birth flowers: lily of the valley and hawthorn. Lily of the valley is the primary May flower, known for its tiny, fragrant white bells, while hawthorn is the traditional secondary flower, a flowering shrub long tied to springtime and May Day celebrations.
What does the May lily of the valley symbolize?
Lily of the valley symbolizes sweetness, humility, purity, and the return of happiness. Its delicate white bells and intense fragrance made it a beloved symbol of renewed joy and good fortune. In some traditions it represents a wish that happiness will return, making it a hopeful, tender flower.
What does the hawthorn flower mean?
Hawthorn symbolizes hope, supreme happiness, and protection. Its spring blossoms are tied to May Day and ancient fertility festivals, and the tree was traditionally believed to offer protection and good luck. As a May flower, hawthorn conveys joy, hope, and the abundance of late spring.
Why is lily of the valley the May birth flower?
Lily of the valley is the May birth flower because it blooms in late spring, typically in May, filling gardens with its sweet scent. The Western birth-flower tradition pairs months with blooms by season and meaning, and the flower's themes of returning happiness and sweetness suit the bright, blossoming month of May.
Is lily of the valley poisonous?
Yes, lily of the valley is toxic if eaten — all parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause serious illness in humans and pets. It is perfectly safe to enjoy as a cut flower or in the garden, but it should be kept away from young children and animals, and hands should be washed after handling it.