On May the first, or Maitag, and throughout the month, you will see Maiglöckchen or Lily of the Valley everywhere you look. Flower shops sell bouquets and small posies. You will see images on cards, and people love to give them as a special sweet-smelling token of happiness, joy, and love. What made these little bell shaped flowers such an important May Day gift? What is the symbolism of Lily of the Valley in Germany?
Symbolism of Maiglöckchen, Lily of the Valley in German
Is there a more descriptive flower name? In Latin, Convallaria magalis (Lily of the Valley) means “that which belongs to May,” and in German, Maiglöckchen means “little May bells,” and that is exactly what they are: little white bell-shaped blossoms that bloom in May. When Maiglöckchen appears, it means that Spring has arrived and, along with it, a promise of love and a return to happiness.
In German pagan belief, Lily of the Valley was closely associated with Ostara, the divine virgin goddess of Spring and dawn. She appears to help banish the cold winter and renew life. The sweet-smelling white flower symbolizes her purity and humility, and the green leaves are associated with hope. To show their respect and worship, people would burn Maiglöckchen in the Easter Fires.
In the 15th Century, the Catholic church adopted the Lily of the Valley as a symbolic plant for the Virgin Mary. Legend says that Maiglöckchen first appeared near the base of the cross, where Mary shed tears for her son. These “Woman’s Tears” or “Mary’s Tears” became symbolic of pure Christian love.
Because of this symbolism, brides choose Lily of the Valley for their wedding bouquets, May being the wedding month in Germany. You also find it in communion and confirmation bouquets.
Naturally, Maiglöckchen makes an excellent Mother’s Day flower.
Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis fragrant flower bulbs
Maiglockchen as a Gift
Today in Germany, people give Maiglöckchen or Lily of the Valley bouquets to close friends and people they love. They are a gift from the heart, a gift of love and friendship.
They are also quite lovely, and they smell divine.
Maiglöckchen can Break your Heart
Maiglöckchen aren’t perfect. Their blooms are fragile, lasting only about a week, and although herbalists have used them as a cure, they are poisonous. Please don’t crush them up and eat them hoping to cure your heart troubles or constipation—it can only end badly.
Sadly, according to Heinrich Heine, who must not have loved wisely, their scent “Bricht das Eis des Winters und der Herzen” (breaks the ice of winter and the heart).
Maiglöckchen have inspired many a poem, so I’ll end with a portion of one from August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1798-1874)
“Maiglöckchen läutet in dem Tal,
das klingt so hell und fein,
so kommt zum Reigen allzumal,
ihr lieben Blümelein!”
“Lilies of the Valley are ringing in the valley,
that sounds so bright and fine,
so come to the dance all round,
you dear little flowers!”
Sweet Maiglöckchen Jewelry
Perfect for spring! And they also make a nice Mother’s day or confirmation gift.
Lily of the Valley Barrette silver, French silver flower barretteChoose Green, Black, Lavender or Burgundy – Lily of the Valley Cameo Gold Filigree Barrette – Hair Accessory – Bride – Hair – BridalSilver anniversary necklace pendant. Fimo Lily of the Valley. Polymer clay jewelry. Miniature necklace. Succulent plant Jewelry giftLily of the Valley Resin Dangle Earrings, Handmade Nature Fairy Wire Wrapped Resin Jewelry, Bridal White Floral Drop EarringsWedding Gift,
When I picked a bunch of Maiglöckchen, and carried them home, I broke out with a rash all over my body.
OH No! The plant is highly toxic if you eat it… but I’ve read that some people develop a rash when they touch it. I’m sorry.