May birth flower
Lily of the ValleyWhite · Sweetness, humility and a return of happiness.
- Primary flower
- Lily of the Valley
- Secondary flower
- Hawthorn
- Color
- White
- Meaning
- Sweetness, humility and a return of happiness.
- Birthstone
- Emerald
The May birth flower: the Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley, May's birth flower, hangs its tiny white bells along the stem and fills spring gardens with scent. It stands for the return of happiness, which is why it appears so often in spring weddings.
What the May birth flower means
In the Victorian language of flowers, the Lily of the Valley carried the meaning of sweetness, humility and a return of happiness. That is why it makes such a fitting birthday gift or tattoo for anyone born in May: it says something without needing words. The secondary May flower, the Hawthorn, adds its own shade of meaning for those who want a second option.
Pairing the May flower with its birthstone
May's birthstone is Emerald, a rich green gem. A Lily of the Valley flower next to a Emerald stone is a natural birthday pairing, especially for jewelry, cards or tattoos that combine both. Anyone born this month also falls under Taurus or Gemini. See the full May overview for everything together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the May birth flower?
The May birth flower is the Lily of the Valley, with the Hawthorn as a secondary flower.
What does the May birth flower mean?
The Lily of the Valley traditionally means sweetness, humility and a return of happiness.
What color is the May birth flower?
The Lily of the Valley is typically white.
What is the second May birth flower?
The Hawthorn. Every month has a primary and a secondary flower, and neither is more official than the other, so the Hawthorn is a perfectly valid May flower to use.
Does the May birth flower work as a tattoo?
It is one of the most common reasons people look it up. The Lily of the Valley carries the meaning of sweetness, humility and a return of happiness, and it pairs naturally with the May birthstone for color. There is a separate guide on birth flower tattoos by month.
Birth flowers for other months
Related guides
Last reviewed . Method: how we work this out.