Flower of the Month - May Lily of the Valley

Flower of the Month
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What’s in a Name: Christians associated Lily of The Valley with the tears of Mary in the valley of the cross, as valley. Other common names include Mary’s Tears, May Lily and May Bells. History: Pre-Christians associated the bell-like blooms with their Goddess of spring –Ostara.Office 2011 for MAC Clé In France sprigs of the blossoms are worn in the lapel on May Day. Many countries also incorporated Lily of the Valley in traditional plant medicines, despite its toxicity to humans. Symbolism: humility, chastity, sweetness, purity, renewed happiness Did You Know:

  • It is a food plant of some butterfly larvae
  • Though white is most common, there are some with pink blooms
  • Has received Royal Horticultural Society's `Award of Garden Merit’
  • The flowers are used for making perfume
  • The leaves have been used to make green dye
  • It’s thought to bring luck in love, making it popular for bridal bouquets
  • Lily of The Valley is not related to other Lilies
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