May welcomes the heart of spring—longer days, lush gardens, and a sense of renewal in the air. And fittingly, the birth flowers for May perfectly reflect this vibrant season. If you’ve ever asked what is May’s birth flower, the answer is both lily of the valley and hawthorn—two blooms rich in beauty, symbolism, and meaning.
Each flower tells a unique story. The lily of the valley carries a delicate fragrance and symbolizes love, sweetness, and the return of happiness. The hawthorn, with its soft white or pink blossoms, represents hope, protection, and enduring love. Together, they create a poetic picture of spring’s emotional and spiritual rebirth.
Whether you're shopping for a May birthday bouquet, exploring tattoo ideas, or simply curious about flower meanings, this guide breaks down the May birth month flower symbols, history, uses, and design inspiration.
What Is May’s Birth Flower?
May is one of the few months that features two birth flowers, both deeply tied to nature and folklore:
Lily of the Valley — Symbolizes purity, sweetness, and happiness.
Hawthorn — Represents protection, hope, and eternal love.
While very different in appearance, both May flowers share common themes of renewal, resilience, and affection. They grow naturally in springtime landscapes and offer meaning that’s been celebrated for centuries.
What Is the Lily of the Valley Symbolism?
Lily of the valley is a graceful, bell-shaped flower that appears in early spring, often growing wild in forests and shaded gardens. Its sweet scent and dainty appearance make it a favorite in wedding bouquets, perfumes, and gifts celebrating new beginnings.
Lily of the Valley History and Folklore
The lily of the valley carries centuries of legend and tradition, making it one of the most storied flowers of spring. Its history reaches deep into European folklore, where the delicate bells were often linked to happiness, renewal, and protection. In France, the bloom is inseparable from La Fête du Muguet, celebrated every May 1st. On this day, friends and family exchange small bouquets of lily of the valley as a token of luck and happiness—a custom that began during the Renaissance when King Charles IX received a sprig as a charm for good fortune. The tradition continues today as a beloved national holiday, with markets and street vendors filling entire towns with the flower’s sweet scent.
In Victorian England, the language of flowers gave the lily of the valley a special place as a symbol of “the return of happiness.” Lovers sent it as a romantic gesture to express renewed devotion or to mark the start of a joyful new chapter. Going back even further, medieval English folklore believed these graceful white bells could ward off sadness and invite joy, so they frequently appeared in wedding garlands, love charms, and spring festivals meant to welcome brighter days.
Lily of the Valley Colors and Their Meanings
While most lily of the valley blooms are a luminous pure white, cultivated varieties occasionally produce soft blush-pink flowers, each shade carrying its own subtle symbolism. White blossoms embody purity, sincerity, and humility, making them ideal for weddings, baptisms, and other ceremonies centered on love and new beginnings. Pink varieties add a note of affection, tenderness, and romantic love, perfect for gifts that celebrate intimacy and heartfelt emotion.
Because of these layered meanings and gentle tones, lily of the valley remains a favorite for spring celebrations, elegant bridal bouquets, and baby showers—any occasion where beauty, sweetness, and a blessing of happiness are desired.
Lily of the Valley in Weddings and Traditions
This flower has been chosen by royals and brides alike. Princess Grace of Monaco and Kate Middleton both included lily of the valley in their bridal bouquets. Its association with purity and new beginnings makes it a timeless choice.
In many cultures, it’s also given on Mother’s Day, as a symbol of nurturing love and gratitude. At Pink Clover, it’s a top pick for May floral designs and seasonal gifting.
What Is the Hawthorn Flower Meaning?
While lily of the valley graces the forest floor, hawthorn grows as a flowering shrub or small tree—hardy, ancient, and full of symbolic depth. It blooms in May, covering hedgerows and meadows with clusters of white or pink blossoms.
Hawthorn in Celtic and Christian Traditions
The hawthorn tree holds deep spiritual significance in Celtic mythology. It was considered sacred, often growing near wells and believed to be a gateway to the fairy realm. Cutting one down was considered unlucky.
Christian tradition gives the hawthorn symbolic weight too—many believe the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made of hawthorn branches, linking it to sacrifice, endurance, and faith.
Hawthorn’s Protective and Healing Symbolism
Beyond myth, hawthorn has long been used in herbal medicine. Its berries and blossoms are known for their heart-healing properties and are still used in tinctures and teas today. Symbolically, this gives hawthorn the role of a protector and healer—a powerful presence in both garden and story.
What Are May Birth Month Flower Bouquet Ideas?
A bouquet that highlights lily of the valley and hawthorn is more than just beautiful—it’s a meaningful celebration of May’s unique charm. Together, these two blooms create a blend of delicate fragrance, natural texture, and symbolic depth that feels perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any spring gathering.
The lily of the valley is a natural star in hand-tied bouquets and elegant bridal arrangements. Its petite, bell-shaped flowers cascade gracefully on slender stems, releasing a soft, sweet scent that fills a room with quiet elegance. When paired with pale roses, soft peonies, or pastel ranunculus, lily of the valley brings a romantic, timeless quality to any design. Because of its light, arching form, it’s equally stunning in small, minimalist posies or larger, more elaborate centerpieces.
Hawthorn blossoms add an entirely different yet complementary dimension. Their airy clusters of white or blush flowers rest on branches with a gentle curve, giving arrangements a slightly untamed, woodland feel. Florists often weave hawthorn into spring bouquets to create movement and texture, letting its subtle greenery frame more structured blooms. A bouquet that includes hawthorn feels both fresh and grounded—ideal for those who love a natural, storybook look.
For a true May-inspired arrangement, consider blending these two flowers with seasonal accents like garden roses, anemones, or light sprays of eucalyptus. The result is a bouquet that balances the lily’s soft sweetness with the hawthorn’s rustic elegance, creating a gift or centerpiece that captures the essence of spring while carrying deep meaning for anyone born in May.
Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn in Floral Design
At Pink Clover, we love mixing lily of the valley with pastel roses, tulips, ranunculus, and peonies for a soft, elegant May look. We use hawthorn branches to build out more whimsical, garden-inspired bouquets, especially for birthday arrangements or boho-themed weddings.
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What Do May Birth Flowers Say About Personality?
Just like zodiac signs, birth flowers can reveal a surprising amount about personality, offering subtle insight into character and inner strengths. May is unique because it has two birth flowers—lily of the valley and hawthorn—and together they create a layered portrait of people born in this spring month.
The lily of the valley reflects qualities of quiet strength and deep kindness. People who resonate with this flower often carry a nurturing spirit, caring for loved ones in ways that feel natural and unspoken. Much like the flower’s delicate, bell-shaped blooms that release their fragrance only when you lean close, these individuals don’t seek the spotlight. Instead, they bring joy and calm through their presence, offering loyalty and emotional steadiness. Friends and family often describe them as gentle but unshakable—someone who listens carefully, provides comfort, and remains steadfast through life’s ups and downs.
The hawthorn, on the other hand, speaks to resilience and protection. Those drawn to its symbolism are grounded and dependable, with a quiet courage that inspires trust. Hawthorn trees bloom with delicate white or pink blossoms, yet their branches are strong and often armed with small thorns—a perfect metaphor for people who are warm and loving but also fiercely protective of those they care about. They have an innate ability to weather challenges and often possess a subtle spiritual awareness, finding meaning in nature, tradition, and community.
These floral traits blend beautifully with May’s zodiac signs. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) is known for loyalty, practicality, and an earthy steadiness, echoing the hawthorn’s protective nature and the lily’s enduring grace. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) brings curiosity, adaptability, and emotional depth, complementing the lily of the valley’s gentle joy and the hawthorn’s thoughtful insight. Together, these flowers suggest that people born in May are both deeply rooted and refreshingly open-minded—individuals who balance strength with compassion and approach life with quiet but undeniable charm.
What Are Creative Uses of May Birth Flowers?
The symbolism behind May’s birth flowers makes them a perfect addition to more than just bouquets.
Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn in Home Décor
Lily of the valley brings a gentle, uplifting presence to any room. Its tiny, bell-shaped blooms release a soft fragrance that feels both fresh and comforting, making it perfect for a nightstand or an entryway table where you’re greeted with calm each time you pass. A simple glass vase filled with these delicate stems instantly brightens a space and invites a sense of peace and renewal. Hawthorn branches, with their airy blossoms and subtle greenery, add a natural storybook charm to interiors. Arrange a few sprigs in a rustic pitcher or weave them into a seasonal wreath to create a welcoming centerpiece that captures the spirit of spring.
Birth Flower for May Gifting Ideas
For gifting, lily of the valley pairs beautifully with soft pastel roses or elegant orchids, creating a bouquet that feels personal and full of meaning. The creamy white bells blend gracefully with pale pinks and lavenders, making the arrangement a perfect choice for birthdays or celebrations in May. Hawthorn’s delicate flowers and slender branches lend themselves to unique table arrangements or hand-tied bouquets. Adding a small card explaining the symbolism of protection and loyalty gives the gift a thoughtful, memorable touch that goes beyond the beauty of the flowers themselves.
May Birth Flower Tattoos and Their Meanings
Lily of the valley tattoos often represent purity, maternal love, and the quiet renewal of spring. Their gentle curves and petite bells translate beautifully into minimalist designs on the wrist, ankle, or collarbone. Hawthorn flowers, with their intricate clusters, carry meanings of protection, loyalty, and inner strength. Whether used as a single bloom or incorporated into a larger floral sleeve, both flowers offer designs that are elegant and symbolic, making them especially meaningful for anyone celebrating a May birthday or honoring a personal connection to the month.
Conclusion
The birth flower for May tells a layered story of love, strength, and renewal. From the delicate, sweet fragrance of lily of the valley to the ancient folklore surrounding hawthorn, these blooms offer far more than seasonal beauty—they capture the very heart of spring. Their presence speaks of new beginnings, gentle protection, and the quiet joy that comes with longer days and blossoming gardens.
Whether you’re surprising someone with a bouquet, brightening your own home, or simply celebrating the month itself, May birth flowers provide a meaningful way to mark special moments. A thoughtfully arranged bouquet of lily of the valley or a centerpiece adorned with hawthorn branches can instantly transform an ordinary day into a memory filled with fragrance, texture, and symbolism.
For more inspiration, explore Pink Clover’s latest floral designs and seasonal ideas on Instagram and discover mood boards, color palettes, and creative arrangements on Pinterest Our social channels are filled with fresh styling tips and behind-the-scenes glimpses that help you bring the magic of May flowers into every celebration.
FAQs
What is a May flower tattoo?
A May flower tattoo typically features lily of the valley or hawthorn. Both represent renewal, joy, protection, and inner strength—perfect for anyone born in May or drawn to spring’s energy.
Are lily of the valley and hawthorn the same?
No. Lily of the valley is a low-growing, fragrant flower with tiny bell-shaped blooms, while hawthorn grows as a flowering shrub or small tree with delicate clusters.
Why does May have two birth flowers?
May includes both lily of the valley and hawthorn to honor the variety of garden and wild blooms at their peak during this month.
What does the lily of the valley symbolize?
It represents sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness, which is why it’s often chosen for weddings and romantic gifts.
What is the hawthorn flower's meaning?
Hawthorn symbolizes protection, fertility, hope, and spiritual resilience, and it has long been valued in folklore and herbal traditions.
How can I use lily of the valley and hawthorn in a bouquet?
Combine lily of the valley with soft-toned roses or peonies for a delicate arrangement, or add hawthorn branches for natural texture and a woodland touch.
What are creative ways to celebrate with May flowers?
Consider gifting a May flower-inspired bouquet, decorating with small vases of lily of the valley, designing a hawthorn centerpiece, or choosing a floral tattoo that reflects the month’s symbolism.
