Known by the botanical name Convallaria majalis , lily-of-the-valley is a fragrant woodland flower in the Asparagaceae family. All varieties of lily-of-the-valley have white flowers, except the rosea which has a rosy pink hue. These petite, bell-shaped blooms can be seen in clusters hanging down around the stems, with six to twelve flowers on each.
The plant spreads by means of rhizomes that grow horizontally below the ground. Unfortunately, lily-of-the-valley is regarded as invasive in some parts of North America due to its roots that can crowd out native plants.
The lily-of-the-valley has gained various meanings, some related to its shape while others derive from various beliefs and superstitions.
Here are some of them:. You can create a statement posy by combining lily-of-the-valley with other symbolic flowers such as daffodil that represents new beginnings. Lily-of-the-valley holds major significance around the world, with different cultures having various interpretations for it. Over the centuries, the flower has been used as the common source of essential oils for perfumes and cosmetics, as well as a medicine.
Many believe in the magical properties of the flower. Did you know that the flower was used during World War I against gas poisoning? Some even utilized the plant for treating skin burns and epilepsy. In order to honour this important goddess, the Germanic peoples threw lilies of the valley into celebratory bonfires as a sign of respect and to show that they believed in her divinity.
Is it lily of the valley, or lily-of-the-valley? Lillium convallium, Convallaria majalis or May lily? The Latin name was Lillium convallium. Now the Latin name is Convallaria majalis.
This adorable flower is a member of the lily family, so it was given the common name of lily of the valley. The May lily has not travelled far, since it originates in Europe, as well as in the Caucasus and western Siberia.
In the past, these scent bombs were a must-have if you had a country estate or castle garden. On May 1, , 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. It is also Finland's national flower. The May 1 Pagan Festival of Beltane uses lily of the valley in its celebrations. 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.
It is also the official flower of the zodiac sign Gemini. As a symbol of chastity, purity, modesty and happiness, lily of the valley has been a popular wedding flower since the Middle Ages. According to legend, its strong fragrance lures the nightingale to find his mate.
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