White bud! that in meek beauty dost lean
Thy cloistered cheek as pale as moonlight snow,
Thou seem’st, beneath thy huge, high leaf of green,
An Eremite beneath his mountain’s brow.
George Croly—The Lily of the Valley.
Return of happiness, purity of heart, sweetness, the flower of May! If you were to include the flower in a bouquet and give it to someone it would convey the message that your happiness has returned because of him or her. This delicate bloom is known for a sweet perfume and bright a white or a soft pink colour. The Lily of the Valley begins to bloom in early spring.
According to legend, the Lily of the Valley sprang from the tears of Eve after she was ejected out of the Garden of Eden. This early spring bloom is also known as the "ladder to heaven", due to the bell shaped flowers cascading down the stem.
A native flower to Europe, the Lily of the Valley is used to celebrate european/celtic holiday of May Day otherwise known as Beltane, especially in France. This wonderful bloom of spring is used in many celebrations.
In the Bible, lily of the valley is mentioned 15 times, most often in the Song of Solomon. Since the flower blooms so early in springtime, in Christianity it represents the Second Coming of Christ.
Lily of the valley is supposed to protect gardens from evil spirits . It is also considered the flower of fairies, its tiny bells used as cups from which to drink. Some European countries believe lily of the valley prompts visions of heaven, aiding man to see a brighter future. In Germany and Scandinavia, the flower is a springtime symbol of good luck. In England, when St. Leonard of Sussex fought his grievous great battle with a dragon during the sixth century, as a commemoration to his efforts, the flowers are believed to have sprung from the ground where his blood spilled. It is also believed that the flower is in honor of Maia, the daughter of the mythological Atlas.
On May 1, 1561, King Charles IX received lily of the valley as a gift of luck and continued the tradition every first of May by giving the women of his court this fragrant flower. Today, every year in France, bunches of lily of the valley are sold on streets. In some cities, on May Day, folks wear a sprig in their clothing.
The Finnish girl's name Kielo means lily of the valley. Cute name! It is also Finland's national flower.
Convallaria magalis means "that which belongs to May," making lily of the valley the recognized flower of the month of May, and thus, May birthdays.
According to legend, its strong fragrance lures the nightingale to find his mate.
As a symbol of chastity, purity, modesty and happiness, lily of the valley has been a popular wedding flower since the Middle Ages. For some brides, the flower is the fifth item carried during a wedding, along with something old, new, borrowed and blue. In Holland, the flower is planted in a newlywed couple's garden as a symbol of the renewal of love.
This bloom is also known to enhance mental powers, mental clarity, and happiness.
Such a cute flower. Happy birthday to all our Taurus and Geminis! Happy May Day!
