Silk Flowers for May: Lilies of the
Valley
May’s Birthday Silk Flower is Lily
of the Valley
Lily of the valley  is a
delicately beautiful flower, with wide, deep green leaves
and petite stalks covered in down-turned bell-shaped white
(or white and pink) flowers.
This flower is also known as the May Bell, May Lily Trio  ,
Fairy’s Bell, or Fairy Ladder. Its name comes from
majalis, which means “that which belongs to May.”
Lily of the valley grows in the wilds of Europe, most often in
the cool climate valleys. It blooms in May, hence its name. It
is France’s May Day flower, and is commercially distributed in
both North American and Northern Asia.
Silk versions of this subtly alluring flower can be purchased
worldwide.
Lily of the Valley in Historical Terms
In times as early as the Roman Empire, the lily of the valley
was given at birthday celebrations to those of May birth, along
with the May birthstone, emerald.
Many legends surround the tale of the lily of the valley. One
story says that the flowers sprouted from Eve’s tears, when she
was evicted from the Garden of Eden. Another tells a tale of
their springing from the earth as Mary’s tears fell at the foot
of the cross. Yet another speaks of Saint Leonard’s battle with
a dragon, and the blooming of lilies of the valley where drops
of the saint’s blood fell.
It is believed by some that the nightingales of the field will
not sing until the air is filled with the scent of lilies of
the valley.
Throughout history, extracts of the lily of the valley have
been used to treat epilepsy and conditions of the heart. It has
even been used as a remedy for poisoning. Interesting,
considering that the plant is highly poisonous itself.
Today, we not only hold the lily of the valley precious for
those of May birth, but also give this innocuous flower as a
symbol of sweet innocence, humble beginnings, circular
happiness, hope in strife, honorable purity, chastity, and
fertility. For these reasons, it is a popular choice for
wedding bouquets and gifts to the young and young at heart.
Silk Lilies of the Valley: The Perfect Gift or
Adornment
The just-right birthday gift for the one that has everything?
How about a silk flower arrangement including the May birthday
flower…the lily of the valley? What better way to announce the
anniversary of the birth of a loved one, along with the arrival
of spring? Silk flowers  ,
including lilies of the valley,
, also make lovely additions to May events, like weddings,
proms, graduations, and recitals.
May’s natural blooms are fleeting. Like their fragrance that
dispels in the wind, they are soon only memories. Unlike their
natural counterparts, silk flowers deliver year after year. So
that every time May rolls around, your loved one (or your own
décor) will be reminded of the resilience and majesty of the
month of May.
by Leigh laCava - May 2009
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Source: http://www.freshsilkflowers.com
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