Just so you know, What to Expect may earn commissions from the links included on this page. All sales and prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

May's birth flowers, the lily of the valley and the hawthorn, are rich in symbolism and tradition. Together, they're said to represent a baby who is kind, resilient, and appreciative. Your May baby is bound to be bright, with a strong inner compass — finding hope in every situation and always knowing the best way forward.[1]

Learn more about what these spring blooms may reveal about your little one's unique personality and how to celebrate their special meaning.

summary icon
Key Takeaways
  • May babies have two meaningful birth flowers. The lily of the valley represents purity, simplicity, focus, and joy in life's little moments, while the hawthorn symbolizes hope, generosity, and an optimistic spirit.
  • These flowers offer a positive vision of a May baby's personality. According to their symbolism, May-born children are thought to be bright, driven, nurturing, and resilient, with a natural ability to find hope in any situation and inspire those around them.
  • Families can celebrate a May baby's birth flowers in creative ways. From planting hawthorn hedges and decorating nurseries with floral artwork to making DIY crafts and incorporating lily of the valley-inspired décor, there are many meaningful ways to honor these spring blooms.

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. When it comes to predicting (or commemorating) your little one's personality, they paint a beautiful picture: a bright, generous child whose hopeful spirit is a gift to everyone who knows her.

Find out more about your baby, jot down ideas in the My Journal section, and connect with other moms-to-be in our free What to Expect app.

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

The lily of the valley is one 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, smells like spring itself.

In this case, simple in no way means dull, but rather, perfectly designed — maybe even a touch divine. In fact, medieval German Christian art often depicted Mary holding a lily of the valley.[3]

You can expect your May baby to be focused, driven, and bright, just like 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, too.

Hawthorn: A symbol of generosity and hope

It's not truly May until the hawthorns bloom. In fact, the hawthorn inspired the original Maypole, a beautifully decorated symbol used to celebrate the first day of May in many European folk festivals.[4] The flowering Maypole marks the moment spring gives way to summer.

A cousin of the roses (and the apple), the hawthorn produces beautiful clusters of pinkish-white blossoms every May and gives off an enchanting fragrance with notes of almonds.

Hawthorns were a popular ingredient in traditional herbal remedies and, in Celtic mythology, were believed to be a favorite among fairies. Probably as a result of all the fairy dust and healing lore, hawthorns have long symbolized hope. Nature lovers also appreciate hawthorn's lush foliage, edible fruit, and flowers, which attract pollinators, birds, and butterflies.

Hawthorn children are said to have generous spirits and an optimistic outlook. They can find the bright side of every situation and will soon have you believing in it too. And as your little one grows, don't be surprised if her nurturing nature and generosity attract wonderful people and exciting opportunities into her life.

How can I include the lily of the valley and hawthorn in our family's life?

From landscaping to crafting, here are some ways to add these beautiful spring blooms to your everyday life:

  • Grow a hawthorn hedge. Hawthorn shrubs, with their delicate clusters of pinkish-white flowers, make beautiful hedges that attract pollinators, butterflies, and birds. While still a beautiful, meaningful flower, avoid planting lily of the valley in your yard, as it's considered invasive in many areas.[5]
  • Feature them on an accent wall. Browse your favorite wallpaper company (traditional or peel & stick) for a cheerful floral print to brighten your child's nursery.
  • Deck the halls and front door, too! If you have access to hawthorn branches, try making a DIY hawthorn wreath. Deep green leaves punctuated with bright red berries create a beautiful winter decoration.
  • 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 botanical art. Brighten your nursery walls with lily of the valley prints or paintings. Your local thrift store may even have vintage botanical illustrations waiting to be discovered.
  • Try crocheted flowers. Crocheted floral décor is endlessly charming. Look for lily of the valley garlands, bouquets, or flower crowns on Etsy or from local makers.

What to Expect Community mom hiyababy4 has birth flower tattoos for each of her children and says, "I love them!"