Enjoying the Lily of the Valley, and some of its legends and symbols, with kids

Enjoying the Lily of the Valley, and some of its legends and symbols, with kids…

The Lily of the Valley ~ the most delicate, white bell-shaped flowers swathed within the warmth and safety of bountiful green leaves, the Lily of the Valley is known for Return of Happiness.  Legend tells us that the Lily of the Valley lures the nightingale from its nest in search of a mate when the flower blooms in May, and in the Christian faith, the Lily of the Valley is a symbol of the second coming of Christ…

~ Lilies of the Valley in a garden in Bristol, RI ~
~ Lilies of the Valley in a garden in Bristol, RI ~

The Lily of the Valley is known as the May Lily, May Bells or English May Lilies.  Its scientific name is majalis or maialis, meaning of May or belonging to May.

According to Christian legend, the Lily of the Valley was created from the tears of Our Lady Mary when she cried at the crucifixion of her son, Jesus Christ.  The flowers of the Lily of the Valley are also called Ladder-to-Heaven for the way the tiny flowers grow upward like miniature steps.

The Lily of the Valley has also been called the Shy Plant because it remains so close to the ground with its tiny, nodding bells, but it is known everywhere for its sweet fragrance

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In spite of the loveliness of the Lily of the Valley, the leaves, stalk and flowers can be toxic.  Keep children away from touching and picking the Lily of the Valley; instead, enjoy its clusters of white bells and its essence from a safe distance.

Tell your kids of the legends of the Lily of the Valley and of her nicknames, but allow the Lily of the Valley to lure the nightingale, not the kids.

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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