Lily of the valley (scientific name: Convallaria majalis, English: Lily of the Valley, French: Muguet de mai), also known as lily of the valley, bellflower, and king shadow grass, it is the only species of lily of the valley. The plants are all glabrous and often grow in flakes. Leaves elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, flowers white, berries, red when ripe, slightly drooping. Seeds oblate or biconvex. Often born in shady slope forests, cold-resistant, likes a cool, humid environment, and avoids heat. It is native to the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, and is distributed wildly in Europe, Asia, North America, Northeast China, and North China at an altitude of 850-2500. It has been the national flower of Finland since 1982.
China: In ancient China, lily of the valley is also known as “Junyingcao”. She grows in the forest of valleys and hides in lonely mountains. The flowers are naturally fragrant and accompanied by orchids. It is the meaning of “the king should be like orchid”.
Japan: Lily of the valley, a small white flower, is also the most representative flower in Hokkaido. It is the city flower of Sapporo. The flower language of lily of the valley is “the happiness of coming back”. People in Hokkaido give each other lily-of-the-valley flowers to each other on May 1 every year, congratulating each other on getting through the severe winter and happy spring finally returning to the land. In Hiratori Town, Hokkaido, Japan, an annual lily of the valley appreciation event is held in late May.
France: lily of the valley is a symbol of “having happiness” in France. This flower can often be seen in the French folk custom “lily of the valley wedding”, which symbolizes 13 years of marriage. And it is open from April to May every year, so on May 1st every year, the French have the custom of giving each other lily of the valley to wish each other a happy year. The recipients usually hang the flowers in their rooms and keep them throughout the year. It symbolizes eternal happiness, and Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Andorra also have the same custom. Some people think that only one Lily of the Valley with exactly 13 small flowers will bring good luck.
United Kingdom: Also known as “laly-tears” and “ladder to heaven”, romantic, elegant and deeply affectionate.