When it comes to flower tattoos, lily of the valley tattoos is probably one of the most favorite ones. The beauty and meanings behind this flower make it the most popular tattoo designs. Lily of the valley is also known as May bells, May lily, Our Lady’s tears, Mary’s tears, and Convallaria. This flower has been spreading its heavenly fragrance since at least 1000 B.C. and favorite for generations. Even people call it the lily of the valley, but these tiny bell-shaped flowers look nothing like the lilies. The stems are covered with small white, nodding bell-shaped flowers and medium bright green leaves. They make stunning cut flowers, and people often add them to the bride’s bouquets to symbolize sweetness and purity.
So, if you are thinking about getting a lily of the valley tattoo or looking for some inspiration, then we have got you covered. In this article, we have put together a collection of 85 stunning lily of the valley tattoo designs to inspire you for your next ink.
Lily of the Valley Tattoo Meanings
Lily of the valley tattoos symbolizes purity, humility, sincerity, and discretion. But most importantly, they symbolize happiness. The lily of the valley is also the “birth month flower” for May. So, that makes it an official flower of Gemini. People born under this star sign often get a lily of the valley tattoo to represent their star sign.
Over time, the lily of the valley tattoos has developed many meanings. Lily of the valley tattoos often symbolizes traditional feminine values such as motherhood, purity, innocence, and sweetness.
To understand the meanings of Lily of the valley tattoos, you will need to know what they represent in biblical, mythological stories and legends.
Biblical Meanings
Lily of the valley is a common symbol in the Christian faith. Legend says, when Mary cried at the cross for her crucified son, her tears turned to the lily of the valley. For this reason, people call it “Mary’s tears,” or “Our Lady’s tears” and represents the purity of the heart.
Lily of the valley has been mentioned in the bible 15 times, eight times in the book of the Song of Solomon in the Old Testament. Since it blooms early in the springtime, in Christianity, it is a sign of Christ’s second coming. It also symbolizes the purity of Jesus Christ.
It also symbolizes Eve’s tears that she shed after God told Adam and Eve to leave the Garden of Eden.
Ancient Mythologies
In German mythology, lily of the valley symbolizes the humility and the purity of the virgin goddess of spring Ostara. The blooming of the flower refers to the feast of Ostara. The sweet smell and whiteness of the lily of the valley represent the humility and purity of the goddess. To honor Ostara, the Germanic peoples used to throw the flowers into the celebratory bonfires to show that they believed in her divinity.
One Greek myth tells that Apollo, the son of Zeus and Leto, grew Lily of the valley flowers to the passage to the woods. Flowers protected the delicate feet of his Nine Muses while walking through the woods. So, it also signifies delicacy and kindness.
Legends
When the lily of the valley blooms, happiness is said to return. One legend explains the affection of a lily of the valley for a nightingale. The nightingale would not come back to the woods until the flower bloomed.
Another Legend tells that Saint Leonard fought against a dragon in a forest near Horsham. He defeated the dragon, but it wounded him as well. Wherever his blood fell, Lilies of the Valley sprang up to honor him. The forest was also named after Saint Leonard’s Forest and covered with Lilies to this day.
The Symbolism of Lily of The Valley in Different Culture
In Romania, lily of the valley is also a symbol of tears. There’s an old story of a girl who lost her parents and sent to an orphanage. She was very sad and cried at her parents’ graves. Later on, Lily of the valley started to grow in their graves.
Europeans are very fond of this flower. Historically, the lily of the valley became Finland’s national flower in 1967, as well as the floral emblem of Yugoslavia. In France, they celebrate La Fête du Muguet or Lily of the Valley Day on the first of May. The French treat it as a flower of romance.
Other Meanings
Because of the healing power of this flower, people also call it “ladder to heaven.”
Some people believe that its white color brings peace and helps to purify the mind.
Apart from humility and purity, some people believe that this flower brings luck in love. It symbolizes the hope of a long and happy marriage and unity. That makes it a popular choice as decorations in weddings as well as for wedding bouquets.
Lily of the valley Tattoos & Ideas
Lily of the valley tattoos on wrist
Side or back of the wrist is an excellent spot for getting a lily of the valley tattoo.
Small lily of the valley tattoos
Simple lily of the valley tattoos
Lily of the valley tattoo with name
Lily of the valley and rose tattoo
Colorful lily of the valley tattoos
These tattoos look really vibrant with colors.
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