Lily of the Valley
Blooms: Late Spring
Victorian Language
Sweetness, humility, and renewed happiness.
*In reference to the brightest hopeful season of spring, in which it blossoms, it has been regarded as symbolical of the return of happiness, whilst its delicate perfume has long ben indicative of sweetness
Emblem:
National Flower of Finland.
Frats/Sororities: Alpha Delta Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Delta Omicron, Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and Alpha Phi.
Mythology/Folklore
The flower is also known as Our Lady's tears, since, according to Christian legend, the lily of the valley came into being from Eve's tears after she was driven with Adam from the Garden of Eden.
According to another legend, lilies of the valley also sprang from the blood of Saint Leonard, who was a brave fighter and a close friend of King Clovis of 6th century France (of the iris legend). Leonard found life at court unappealing and preferred to live in the woods as a recluse among trees and flowers communing with God. The dragon was not happy having to share his woods with St. Leonard, and in a fierce three day battle which ensued, a lily of the valley appeared wherever St. Leonard's bloods that fell.
The lily-of-the-valley was considered the sign of Christ's second coming, so is often called 'ladder to heaven' of 'Jacob's tears.'
The name "lily of the valley" is also used in some English translations of the Bible in Song of Songs 2:1.
Mary's tears is another name for lily of the valley; legend says that when Mary cried at the cross, her tears turned into this flower.
In Germany and Scandinavian countries, it was thought to be good luck to go to the woods and pick “Virgin's tears” in the spring.
In some areas of Europe, lily of the valley was thought to have the power to help men envision a better world.
Victorian Language
Sweetness, humility, and renewed happiness.
*In reference to the brightest hopeful season of spring, in which it blossoms, it has been regarded as symbolical of the return of happiness, whilst its delicate perfume has long ben indicative of sweetness
Emblem:
National Flower of Finland.
Frats/Sororities: Alpha Delta Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Delta Omicron, Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and Alpha Phi.
Mythology/Folklore
The flower is also known as Our Lady's tears, since, according to Christian legend, the lily of the valley came into being from Eve's tears after she was driven with Adam from the Garden of Eden.
According to another legend, lilies of the valley also sprang from the blood of Saint Leonard, who was a brave fighter and a close friend of King Clovis of 6th century France (of the iris legend). Leonard found life at court unappealing and preferred to live in the woods as a recluse among trees and flowers communing with God. The dragon was not happy having to share his woods with St. Leonard, and in a fierce three day battle which ensued, a lily of the valley appeared wherever St. Leonard's bloods that fell.
The lily-of-the-valley was considered the sign of Christ's second coming, so is often called 'ladder to heaven' of 'Jacob's tears.'
The name "lily of the valley" is also used in some English translations of the Bible in Song of Songs 2:1.
Mary's tears is another name for lily of the valley; legend says that when Mary cried at the cross, her tears turned into this flower.
In Germany and Scandinavian countries, it was thought to be good luck to go to the woods and pick “Virgin's tears” in the spring.
In some areas of Europe, lily of the valley was thought to have the power to help men envision a better world.
History/Modern Use
Often carried in bridal bouquets, lily of the valley is sometimes considered the 'fifth thing' that a bride should carry (right after something old, new, borrowed, blue)
The Dutch carry this a little further and often plant the pips of lily of the valley in the first garden the couple owns-- Each time the plants bloom, year after year, the couple is supposed to celebrate the renewal of their love.
Traditionally, lily of the valley is sold in the streets of France on May 1 and sprigs of the blossoms are worn in the lapel on May Day.
Lily of the valley has been used for medicinal purposes. It was believed to strengthen memory, to restore speech and as a liquor smeared on the forehead and the back of the neck, to make one have good common sense. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, despite its alleged powers.
Literature/ Arts
“No flower amid the garden fairer grows/ Than the sweet lily of the lowly vale,/ The queen of flowers” Keats.
