May is the fifth month of the year and is associated with the zodiac sign Taurus. Many people born in May celebrate their birthdays this month and are interested in the symbolic meanings behind May’s birthstone and birth flower. In this article, we will explore what May’s birthstone and birth flower are and the history and meaning behind them.
What is the Birthstone for May?
The traditional birthstone for the month of May is the emerald. The emerald is a green colored precious gemstone that has long been prized for its vivid green hues. Here are some key facts about the May birthstone, the emerald:
- The emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl colored by traces of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
- The most desired color for emeralds is a vivid medium slightly bluish green.
- Emeralds are found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Emeralds are rated on their color, clarity, cut and carat weight. The most valuable exhibit a vivid green with high clarity and transparency.
- The emerald is said to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
- Emeralds have been prized by civilizations like the Egyptians, Incas and Aztecs for thousands of years.
According to folklore, the emerald derives its green coloring from having been placed on the Garden of Eden by God and being colored green by the verdant garden. Legends also say that emeralds have healing powers and the ability to foretell the future when placed on the forehead.
History of the Emerald
The emerald has a long history as a prized gemstone. Here is some background on the history and lore of the emerald:
- Emeralds have been mined and traded in places like Egypt, Austria, India, South America and Russia for over 4,000 years.
- Cleopatra was known for her love of emeralds and she claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt during her rule.
- The Mughal emperors of India had a particular affinity for emeralds and jade jewelry.
- The Spanish conquistadors pillaged large quantities of emeralds from South America to bring back to Spain.
- Emeralds were believed to have mystical powers and the ability to heal illnesses, protect against demons and foretell the future by ancient cultures.
Today, Colombia produces the majority of the world’s supply of fine emeralds. Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and several other countries also mine and produce emeralds. Emeralds continue to be prized in fine jewelry and command high prices for stones of premium quality.
What is the Birth Flower for May?
The traditional birth flower for the month of May is the Lily of the Valley. The Lily of the Valley is a fragrant, bell-shaped flower that grows in clusters. Here are some key facts about May’s birth flower:
- The Lily of the Valley is known by its scientific name Convallaria majalis.
- It is native throughout the cool, northern hemispheres of Asia, Europe and North America.
- The flowers grow in clusters on a single stalk and have petite, white, bell-shaped blooms that emit a sweet fragrance.
- Lily of the Valley thrives in shaded woodland areas and blooms for a period in spring.
- The flowers and leaves of the Lily of the Valley contain cardiac glycosides which can be poisonous if ingested.
- Lily of the Valley symbolizes sweetness, purity, trustworthiness, humility and renewal.
History and Lore of the Lily of the Valley
The Lily of the Valley has been revered in history and lore over time. Here are some interesting facts about the history of May’s birth flower:
- The Lily of the Valley is referenced in early Celtic legends as a flower that could ward off wicked fairies.
- It is considered the sign of spring in many European countries and commonly sold on May 1st.
- During the Victorian Era, the Lily of the Valley flower meant a return to happiness.
- The flowers are part of royal wedding bouquets, appearing in the bouquets of Queen Victoria, Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton.
- In France, the Lily of the Valley is traditionally sold on May 1st for good luck.
The Lily of the Valley remains a popular spring flower today that often shows up in bridal bouquets, garden plants and floral arrangements as a sign of spring and new beginnings.
Meaning and Symbolism
Both the emerald and the Lily of the Valley carry important meaning and symbolism associated with the month of May and the zodiac sign Taurus. Here is an overview of the key symbolic meaning for each:
Emerald Meaning
- Rebirth and Growth – The emerald’s green color has long been associated with rebirth and growth in the spring season. As May falls right at the springtime zone of the northern hemisphere, the emerald fits as a birthstone representing new beginnings.
- Healing – Ancient civilizations believed the emerald could heal ailments of the eye and various illnesses. They were thought to have revitalizing properties.
- Wisdom – The beautiful green color of the emerald was associated with scholarship and wisdom.
- Strength – The hardness of the stone and rich green were though to confer strength upon those who wore it.
- Peace – The soothing green tones were believed to induce calmness and peacefulness in those who wore emeralds.
Lily of the Valley Meaning
- Purity – The white color and delicate appearance of the Lily of the Valley flower has long symbolized purity, innocence and virginity.
- Sweetness – The light, sweet fragrance of the Lily of the Valley evokes thoughts of sweetness.
- Trust – The return of the Lily of the Valley in spring represents the return of happiness and hope, symbolizing trust and renewal.
- Humility – The way the Lily of the Valley flower hangs its head down is thought to symbolize humility.
- Return to Happiness – As a spring flower that means winter is over, the Lily of the Valley represents the return to brighter and happier times.
Zodiac Sign Meaning
The zodiac sign of Taurus, which falls across most of the month of May, also has symbolic meaning that resonates with the emerald and Lily of the Valley. Taureans are thought to have the following qualities and meanings:
- Stable, strong and determined like the bull that represents Taurus
- Appreciation for beauty and love of serenity
- Down to earth and focused on security and comfort
- Enjoying sensory experiences and physical delights
- Stubborn yet patient, deliberate and grounded
The emerald and Lily of the Valley complement these Taurean qualities with their themes of peace, calmness, purity and renewal. Their symbolism and meaning are perfectly in synch with the grounded, pleasure and beauty-loving Taurus.
How to Wear May’s Birthstones
May’s birthstones, the emerald and Lily of the Valley, lend themselves beautifully to jewelry and accessories. Here are some recommendations on how to wear birthstones honoring May:
- Emerald jewelry – Emeralds look gorgeous in every form of jewelry from necklaces, bracelets, rings to pair of earring. Gold and silver settings complement the green stone. Consider emerald cut stones to really show of the green brilliance.
- Lily of the Valley in a necklace – Choose a gold or silver necklace with a Lily of the Valley pendant made with pearls, diamonds, or enamel for a delicate springtime look.
- Flower crowns – Create a flower crown with Lily of the Valley or emerald colored flowers and greens for a May Day or spring birthday.
- Charms – Add a Lily of the Valley charm or emerald stone charm to a bracelet, keychain or handbag.
- Floral prints – Wear dresses, skirts, scarves or other clothing with a floral print featuring Lily of the Valley or green shades.
May Birthstone and Flower Gifts
The beautiful birthstones and flowers associated with May make for wonderful gift ideas for Mother’s Day, graduations, spring birthdays and other May occasions. Here are some inspired gift ideas:
- Emerald or Lily of the Valley pendant necklace
- Charm bracelet with birthstone and flower charms
- Jewelry box decorated with May birthstones and flowers
- Fresh Lily of the Valley bouquet
- Silk floral arrangement with lilies and greenery
- Soap or candle with lily of the valley fragrance
- Birthstone rings with Emerald stones
- Green or floral scarf
- Emerald colored handbag or wallet
- Frame, mug or keepsake box decorated with May birth flowers
Personalized with their birthstone and birth flower, these gift ideas will have special sentimental meaning for anyone born in May.
Conclusion
May’s birthstones and birth flowers, the emerald and Lily of the Valley, carry rich significance and symbolism. The emerald represents rebirth, healing, strength and wisdom in its verdant green color. The lily of the valley symbolizes purity, sweetness, humility and the return of happiness in its delicate white bell flowers. Together, these important birthstones and flowers for May reflect the natural renewing energy of the spring season and vibes perfectly with the grounded, pleasure-seeking Taurean nature. Lovely in floral gifts, flower crowns, and birthstone jewelry, May’s birthstones provide the perfect way to celebrate birthdays and springtime.
