Lily of the Valley Meaning: History and When to Give Them to Someone

PDF download Download Article
All about this gorgeous and surprising member of the asparagus family
PDF download Download Article

Lily of the Valley was first imported from Japan all the way back in the middle ages, and ever since, this fragrant, elegant flower has remained a popular choice in gardens and gift-giving. With hundreds of years worth of tradition and symbolism, this flower is simply blooming with meaning! In this article, we’ll tell you all about its rich history and what it means to give and receive them.

Things You Should Know

  • The Lily of the Valley is generally regarded to represent a return of happiness.
  • Lily of the Valley is also symbolic of motherhood, humility, and virtue due to its connection with the Virgin Mary.
  • Lily of the Valley is historically associated with May Day and is given as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Section 1 of 6:

Meaning

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This gorgeous, fragrant flower steeped in history and symbolism is most widely acknowledged to represent feelings of joy and hopefulness. Its scientific name, Convallaria (Valley) majlis (belonging to Maia), refers to the flowering of Lily of the Valley in May, marking a return to happiness and hopefulness for a prosperous spring after a long winter. [1]
    • Lily of the Valley blooms yearly in May, making it the perfect flower to represent May birthdays. [2]
    • Lily of the Valley is sometimes associated with sadness and loss because of their presence in many funeral arrangements. Though, the use of the flower in times of hardship is meant to represent the hope that happiness will soon return to those affected by loss or hard times.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

Spiritual & Biblical Symbolism

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Closely associated with the Virgin Mary, the gorgeous, tear-drop-like blossoms of the Lily of the Valley represent the tears Mary cried at the crucifixion of Jesus. When these delicate flowers bloomed, the devout regarded them as a connection to Mary, the mother of all living things. [3]
    • Alternatively, in Christianity, Lily of the Valley is thought to have formed from Eve’s tears when she was cast out of Eden. [4]
    • In Germanic mythology, Lily of the Valley is associated with the purity and humility of the Norse goddess of spring and dawn, Ostara (where we get the word Easter). [5]
Section 3 of 6:

History

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Also known as May’s belles (“Muguet des Bois” in French), Lily of the Valley has been given as a gift of good luck and prosperity since the early 1500s. When King Charles IX was gifted a lovely Lily of the Valley on May Day, an ancient celebration of the beginning of summer every May 1st, he liked the flower so much that the tradition spread and continues to be upheld even today. [6]
    • Lily of the Valley is also picked in Serbia for good luck on Saint George’s Feast Day, celebrated on the saint’s death. [7]
    • The prosperous Lily of the Valley is also the national flower of Finland. [8]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lily of the Valley has been adored for ages due to its amazing floral scent, so when Lily of the Valley became distilled in perfume, it was an instant hit. Edmond Roudnitska popularized the scent in fragrance when he created his iconic Diorissimo in 1956 as an homage to Christian Dior. [9]
    • Lily of the Valley was Christian Dior’s favorite flower and lucky charm that adorned his personal stationary, jacket lapels, and even inspired an entire collection in 1954. [10]
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

Mythology and Folklore

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Greek god of the sun Apollo is believed to have sprinkled Lily of the Valley on the forest bed at Mount Parnassus so his darling muses wouldn’t injure their feet as they walked through the forest’s passages. Walking on a bed of roses– more like lilies! [11]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The shy Lily of the Valley would relish in the nightingale’s song, but when the nightingale flew away, the Lily would wither and die. When the nightingale returned in May, the Lily of the Valley would bloom again in appreciation. [12]
    • The nightingale’s return to the Lily of the Valley is another reason the flower is associated with a return of happiness.
    3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 6:

Saftey Concerns

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The flowers, fruit, and leaves contain cardiac glycosides that are dangerous if consumed or ingested by humans and animals and cause symptoms such as irregular heartbeats, vomiting, etc. [13] Make sure to keep these flowers out of reach from small children and animals to keep your loved ones safe from any potential harm.
Section 6 of 6:

When to Give Lily of the Valley

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It doesn’t have to be May Day to send a fragrant Lily of the Valley as a token of affection for any occasion that might need some extra good luck! [14]
    • Whether it’s celebrating summer for May Day or sending Lily of the Valley as a symbol of good luck for your cousin’s job interview, this flower is a perfect choice.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Symbolic of a return to happiness, Lily of the Valley is a touching gift to send to loved ones and peers in recognition of a challenging time or the death of a loved one. [15]
    • Lily of the Valley is a respectful and tasteful choice for funerals, illness, or any other struggle those you care about might be enduring that signals hope for brighter, happier times.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Lily-of-the-Valley-Symbolism-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A gorgeous symbol of virtue and humility, the white Lily of the Valley is a fabulous addition to any wedding gift and looks stunning in bridal bouquets!
    • A representation of motherhood due to its connection to the Virgin Mary, Lily of the Valley is a thoughtful flower to send to new parents. [16]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Give Amazon Prime As a Gift
      How to
      Wrap a Gift Basket
      How to
      Deal with Not Being Thanked for a Gift
      The Best 5 Senses Gift Ideas for Your Husband or Boyfriend
      How to
      Ask for Contributions for a Retirement Gift
      How to
      Know How Much to Give for a Retirement Gift
      How to
      Present a Romantic Gift
      How to
      React to a Gift You Do Not Like
      How to
      Create Presentable Gift Baskets Like a Pro
      Fun Ways to Give Gift Cards
      How to
      Give Someone a Great Gift
      How to
      Respond when Someone Dislikes Your Handmade Gift
      How to
      Choose a Gift for Your Friends
      How to
      Select a Gift for Your Best Male Friend
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/may-birth-flowers
      2. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/may-birth-flowers
      3. ↑ https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/m/may-flowers.php
      4. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/luzerne/news/2021/may-birth-flower-lily-of-the-valley .
      5. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/luzerne/news/2021/may-birth-flower-lily-of-the-valley
      6. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/may-birth-flowers
      7. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/may-birth-flowers
      8. ↑ https://finland.fi/life-society/iconic-finnish-nature-symbols-stand-out
      9. ↑ https://perfumesociety.org/forgotten-flowers-lily-of-the-valley-_-a-fascinating-history-why-perfumers-love-it-now/
      1. ↑ https://perfumesociety.org/forgotten-flowers-lily-of-the-valley-_-a-fascinating-history-why-perfumers-love-it-now/
      2. ↑ https://perfumesociety.org/guerlains-divine-muguet-lily-of-the-valley-the-flower-of-may-our-birthday/
      3. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/luzerne/news/2021/may-birth-flower-lily-of-the-valley
      4. ↑ https://csuvth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/Plants/Details/123
      5. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/may-birth-flowers
      6. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/luzerne/news/2021/may-birth-flower-lily-of-the-valley .
      7. ↑ https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/m/may-flowers.php

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,488 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement