Come May, Spring is in full swing — the sun is shining, the temperatures are climbing and if you've had a baby this month, the season is sure to be even more beautiful as you celebrate their arrival. According to your May baby's birth flowers, you're bound to have a bright child with a spot-on inner compass: she finds hope in every situation and always knows the best way forward.[1]

What are the May birth flowers?

If you have a May baby, her birth flowers are the fragrant lily of the valley and the mystical hawthorn. These "darling buds of May" have a rich history and when it comes to predicting (or commemorating) your young one's personality, they offer a beautiful vision: a simply wonderful, bright child, whose generosity of spirit and hopeful demeanor are a gift to everyone who knows her. 

Lily of the Valley: 'Tis a Gift to be Simple

The lily of the valley are some of May's first blooms. These nodding white bells blooming over shiny green leaves have long symbolized purity and delicate simplicity.[2] Their spicy-sweet scent with hints of lemon is exactly what you would imagine green smells like. And here, simple in no way means dull, but rather, perfectly designed — maybe even a touch divine. Indeed, in Christian art from medieval German art, Mary was often painted holding a lily of the valley.[3]

You can expect your May baby to be focused, driven, and bright as the lily of the valley's fragrant white flowers. But don't worry — she won't be all work and no play. A lily of the valley appreciates the simple pleasures of life — and she'll remind you how to enjoy them as well.

Hawthorn: A symbol of generosity and hope 

It's not May unless the hawthorns are blooming. In fact, the hawthorn is the original inspiration for the Maypole, a beautifully decorated symbol used to celebrate the first day of May in many European folk festivals.[4] The Maypole's beautiful and blooming floral design marks the moment spring turns to summer. Cousins of roses (and apples), hawthorns bloom beautiful pink-white clusters of flowers every May and give off an enchanting aroma reminiscent of almonds.

Hawthorns were a popular ingredient in traditional herbal remedies and believed (in Celtic mythology) to be a favorite among fairies.[5] Probably as a result of all the fairy dust and healing powers, hawthorns have long symbolized hope. The contemporary nature-lover will also appreciate hawthorn's lush foliage as well as their edible fruit flowers which attract pollinators, birds and butterflies wherever they grow. 

Hawthorn children are known for their generous spirit and hopefulness. They can find the bright side of every situation and will soon have you believing in that too. And as your little one continues to grow, don't be surprised if her generous and nurturing disposition draws wonderful people and new opportunities into her life. 

Incorporating the lily of the valley and hawthorn into your family's life

These two flowers add a touch of brightness and lots of joy to your life. Including them around your home will add a pop of cheer and be a special way to acknowledge your child's birth, personality and spirit. From landscaping to crafting, here are some ways to add these beautiful spring blooms to your everyday life: 

  • Grow a hawthorn hedge (not lilies). Hawthorn bushes with their delicate clusters of edible white-pink flowers make beautiful hedges that will attract pollinators, butterflies, and birds to your yard. While still a beautiful, meaningful flower, avoid planting lily of the valley in your yard as it is considered invasive in many environments.[6] 

  • Feature them on an accent wall. Check out your favorite wallpaper company (traditional or peel & stick) to design a cheerful accent wall in your child's nursery. 

  • Deck the halls and front door too! If you plant that hawthorn hedge or know where to find one, this easy-to-DIY hawthorn wreath — deep green leaves punctuated with bright red berries — is the perfect decoration for winter. 

  • Light up the night. All you need to make this enchanting lily of the valley nightlight for your little one are pipe cleaners, fairy lights and glue.

  • Add some art. Brighten your nursery walls with lily of the valley prints or paintings. Check your local thrift store for botanical prints or make your own stenciled panels. 

  • Crocheted not crotchety. The world of crocheted flowers knows no bounds and there are a myriad of crocheted lily of the valley garlands, bouquets, and crowns. Etsy is your oyster.