May Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn Meanings for a UK Birthday

May, at the very heart of British spring, brings two birth flowers steeped in tradition. The month's primary bloom is lily of the valley, with its tiny, bell-shaped white flowers and heady scent, long a symbol of sweetness and returning happiness. Its companion is the hawthorn, the hedgerow blossom so associated with the month that it is often simply called "may". One is delicate and fragrant, the other wild and abundant, and together they capture the lushness of late spring. Below we explore what each flower means, where its symbolism comes from, and why they became linked to May.

Which Flower Represents May?

May is represented by lily of the valley as its main birth flower, with hawthorn as a much-loved second. Hawthorn is especially tied to the UK, where its frothy white blossom fills hedgerows across the countryside and gives the month its old country nickname.

Lily of the Valley: May's Flower of Returning Happiness

Lily of the valley's dainty white bells and sweet perfume have made it a symbol of humility, purity and the return of happiness. Blooming in shady British gardens and woodlands in spring, it carries a sense of gentle joy and renewed hope.

Where Lily of the Valley Comes From

Long cultivated in European gardens, lily of the valley has featured in folklore and celebration for centuries, often associated with springtime festivities and the promise of brighter days after winter.

Hawthorn: May's Wild Hedgerow Blossom

Hawthorn, or "may blossom", is one of the defining sights of the British countryside in late spring, its branches heavy with clouds of white or pink flowers. It symbolises hope, protection and the arrival of summer, and is deeply woven into English rural tradition.

Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn Folklore

British folklore is rich with hawthorn lore, from its links to old May Day celebrations to superstitions about bringing its blossom indoors. Lily of the valley, meanwhile, was said to bring luck in love and to embody the tender return of joy each spring.

What Do May's Birth Flowers Symbolise?

Together the two flowers celebrate sweetness and new life. Lily of the valley speaks to humility, purity and returning happiness, while hawthorn speaks to hope, protection and the threshold of summer. For a May birthday, the pairing suggests someone gentle yet full of life, celebrated as the year reaches its lush peak.

Colour Meanings

May's flowers carry meanings across their shades:

• White lily of the valley represents purity and renewed happiness.
• White hawthorn blossom suggests hope and protection.
• Pink hawthorn blossom hints at gentle love and springtime cheer.

History and Cultural Significance

Hawthorn is one of the most storied plants in British folklore, central to May Day customs and countryside tradition, while lily of the valley has long been treasured in gardens and celebrations as a fragrant emblem of springtime joy.

Why Are These Flowers Tied to May?

The link is unmistakably seasonal. Both flowers bloom across the UK in May, with hawthorn so reliably in flower that it lent the month its country name, and lily of the valley perfuming shady corners of the garden.

Celebrating a May Birthday

A thoughtful way to mark a May birthday is with personalised jewellery inspired by these blooms or set with the month's emerald birthstone, a keepsake that lasts far longer than any bouquet. You can also explore the full birth flowers by month guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official birth flower for May?

Lily of the valley is May's primary birth flower, with hawthorn recognised as a second.

Does May have two birth flowers?

Yes. Lily of the valley is the traditional main flower, while hawthorn is a widely accepted alternative, especially in the UK.

What does lily of the valley symbolise?

Humility, purity and the return of happiness.

What does hawthorn symbolise?

Hope, protection and the arrival of summer.

Why is hawthorn associated with May?

Because its blossom fills British hedgerows in May, earning it the country name "may".

Are there other flowers linked to May?

Lily of the valley and hawthorn are the two most recognised for the month.