Simplicity is the character of the spring of life, costliness becomes its autumn; but a neatness and purity, like that of the snow-drop or lily of the valley, is the peculiar fascination of beauty, to which it lends enchantment, and gives what amiability is to the mind. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The appearance of Lily of the Valley indicates winter is over. Imported from Japan in the middle ages, it has a history of tradition and symbolism.
Christians believed the small tear dropped shaped flowers represented Eve’s tears at being ejected from the garden of Eden or Mary’s shed at the crucifixion. Thus the flower is symbolic of motherhood, humility, and virtue. Some believe the flowers came about from the drops of blood shed by a dragon slain by Saint Leonard thereafter they were deemed a good luck charm. Fairies are said to drink from their cups and in return protect gardens from evil spirits.
In the 1500’s King Charles IX was gifted a Lily of the Valley on May 1. He liked the flower so much the tradition spread and is upheld even today as a wish for luck and prosperity.
In Victorian times it symbolised a ‘return to happiness’ either in happy memories, coming to terms after mourning, or starting over. Receiving a bouquet meant “you have made my life complete” and has been used in wedding bouquets including Kate Middleton, Princess Grace and Queen Victoria.
Lily of the Valley is a member of the asparagus family; and even though all parts of the flower including the leaves and stems are poisonous the plant was used during WWI to treat soldiers exposed to poison gas, heart disorders, UTIs, epilepsy, kidney stones and burns. Its scent contains Borgeonal known to increase fertility in humans. Also Lily of the Valley was the primary scent in Diorissimo and was Christian Dior’s favourite flower adorning his personal stationary and lapels.
Until spring comes, nightingales do not sing. Azerbaijani Proverb
In Celtic lore the lily of the valley fell in love with a nightingale. When the bird migrated the flower would wither and die only to bloom again in the spring upon its return. Celts believed the markings on the birds throats protected against evil spirits. While the Irish believe that a nightingale is a sign of good fortune when heard in one’s own home.
The nightingale is sovereign of song. Edmund Spenser
The song of the male (females are mute) nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature. This shy, nocturnal bird is associated with creativity, nature’s purity and goodness.
In Greek mythology nightingales were the messengers of Hera, the queen of all the gods and goddesses. She was so moved by their song she placed them among the stars for all eternity.
This week I felt the lessons of the lily and nightingale were particularly apropos. The simple flower representing a return to happiness – no masks, restaurants full and tour groups on the rise. While It is modes of the nightengale not to require anyone to listen to it; but it is also proud of the nightungale not to care whether anyone listens to it or not Soren Kierkegaard.
With a light heart I invite you to Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like it's heaven on earth. - Mark Twain.