Buzz
Discover all there is to know about this captivating and unexpected member of the asparagus family
Lily of the Valley was initially introduced from Japan during the medieval era, and since then, this fragrant and graceful flower has maintained its popularity in gardens and as gifts. With centuries of tradition and symbolism, this flower is bursting with significance! This article will delve into its rich history and the protocols for giving and receiving it.
Essential Insights
- Lily of the Valley is commonly associated with the resurgence of happiness.
- Symbolizing motherhood, humility, and virtue, it holds a special connection to the Virgin Mary.
- Traditionally linked to May Day festivities, it serves as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Guidelines
Interpretation
Lily of the Valley symbolizes the resurgence of joy. This exquisite, fragrant bloom, steeped in history and symbolism, is widely recognized for evoking feelings of happiness and optimism. Its botanical name, Convallaria (Valley) majlis (associated with Maia), signifies the blossoming of Lily of the Valley in May, heralding a return to happiness and optimism for a flourishing spring following a long winter.
- Lily of the Valley blooms annually in May, making it an ideal flower for representing May birthdays.
- Lily of the Valley is sometimes linked with sorrow and loss due to its presence in numerous funeral arrangements. However, its usage in times of adversity symbolizes the hope that joy will soon be restored to those affected by loss or hardship.
Spiritual & Biblical Interpretation
Lily of the Valley holds spiritual connotations of motherhood, humility, and virtue. Tightly connected with the Virgin Mary, the graceful, teardrop-shaped blooms of Lily of the Valley symbolize the tears shed by Mary during Jesus's crucifixion. When these fragile flowers bloomed, the devout viewed them as a link to Mary, the mother of all living beings.
- Alternatively, within Christianity, Lily of the Valley is believed to have sprung from Eve's tears upon her expulsion from Eden.
- In Germanic folklore, Lily of the Valley is linked to the purity and modesty of the Norse goddess of spring and dawn, Ostara (from which we derive the term Easter).
Historical Context
Lily of the Valley symbolizes fortune and prosperity. Also referred to as May's bells (“Muguet des Bois” in French), Lily of the Valley has been exchanged as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity since the early 1500s. When King Charles IX received a charming Lily of the Valley on May Day, an age-old celebration marking the onset of summer on May 1st, he was so enamored with the flower that the tradition quickly spread and persists to this day.
- In Serbia, Lily of the Valley is also gathered for luck on Saint George’s Feast Day, commemorated on the saint's martyrdom.
- This auspicious Lily of the Valley is also Finland's national flower.
The captivating fragrance of Lily of the Valley is a sensation in perfumery! Lily of the Valley has long been cherished for its delightful floral scent, and when it was distilled into perfume, it became an instant sensation. Edmond Roudnitska propelled the fragrance into popularity with his iconic Diorissimo in 1956 as a tribute to Christian Dior.
- Lily of the Valley was Christian Dior’s favored flower and lucky charm, adorning his personal stationery, jacket lapels, and even inspiring an entire collection in 1954.
Mythology and Lore
According to Greek mythology, Apollo was the first to cultivate the Lily of the Valley. The Greek sun god Apollo is said to have scattered Lily of the Valley across the forest floor of Mount Parnassus to protect his beloved muses from injuring their feet as they wandered through the woods. Walking on lilies instead of roses!
In Celtic folklore, the Lily of the Valley had a romance with the nightingale. The bashful Lily of the Valley would revel in the melodious song of the nightingale, but when the bird flew away, the Lily would wilt and fade. Upon the nightingale's return in May, the Lily of the Valley would bloom anew in gratitude.
- The nightingale's reunion with the Lily of the Valley further reinforces the flower's association with the return of joy.
Safety Precautions
Despite its innocent appearance, Lily of the Valley is toxic. Its flowers, fruits, and leaves contain cardiac glycosides, which can pose a danger if ingested by humans or animals, leading to symptoms like irregular heartbeats and vomiting. It's essential to keep these flowers out of reach of children and pets to ensure their safety.
Appropriate Occasions for Giving Lily of the Valley
Present a Lily of the Valley to convey wishes for good fortune and success. Sending a fragrant Lily of the Valley doesn't require waiting for May Day; it's a thoughtful gesture suitable for any occasion that could benefit from a bit of extra luck!
- Whether it's celebrating the arrival of summer on May Day or sending Lily of the Valley as a symbol of good fortune for your cousin's job interview, this flower is an ideal choice.
Offer Lily of the Valley as a gesture of sympathy. Symbolizing the return of happiness, Lily of the Valley is a poignant gift to offer loved ones and acquaintances during difficult times or following the loss of a loved one.
- Lily of the Valley is a thoughtful and respectful option for funerals, illnesses, or any other hardships faced by those you care about, signifying hope for brighter days ahead.
Incorporate Lily of the Valley into weddings or baby showers. A stunning emblem of virtue and modesty, the white Lily of the Valley adds a touch of elegance to any wedding present and enhances the beauty of bridal bouquets!
- Symbolizing motherhood through its association with the Virgin Mary, Lily of the Valley is a meaningful flower to gift to new parents.
