Maiglöckchen literally means “little May bell” and you can see why when looking at its bell-shaped blooms. In English, this flower is called Lily of the Valley.
There are many other names depending on the region: Aprilenglöckle, Herrenblümli, Lilje, Maiblume or Maischelle (Schelle is a regional word that also means ‘bell’ just like Glocke.)
The Lily of the Valley blooms from March until June, its blooms are white and little while its berries are red. Every part of the flower is poisonous but especially the blooms and berries. You might develop skin rashes when touching it, and if any Maiglöckchen part gets inside you it can cause nausea, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, vertigo, and tightness in your chest.
Fun Fact: The Maiglöckchen was the poisonous plant of the year 2014.
Maiglöckchen or Bärlauch?
Often, the Lily of the Valley gets mistaken for Bärlauch (bear’s garlic) whose leaves look very similar. When you rub a Bärlauch leaf you will be able to detect a garlic smell that a Maiglöckchen doesn’t have. Bärlauch is used in pestos and sauces, and grows mostly in the more Southern regions of Germany. So, be careful when you go out picking Bärlauch, and you might want to wear gloves if you are picking Maiglöckchen for your vase at home.
Medicinal Herb
Even though the Lily of the Valley is poisonous it was used for medicinal purposes. It probably depends on the dosage as with many herbs. As early as the 15th century, distilled Maiglöckchen water is mentioned to be good for the heart and all other organs, to help against menstrual pains, paralysis from a stroke, skin problems, and other afflictions.
Many known doctors and other scholars had themselves painted with a Lily of the Valley, among them Nikolaus Kopernikus, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Conrad Gessner, Johannes Bauhin, Wilhelm Fabry Hildanus, Gregor Nymann, and Johann(es) Hoppe.
Maiglöckchen are and were often used to make oil and add it to perfume and other beauty products because the flowers have a beautiful smell.
Iconography
Religious Symbolism
In religious iconography, the Maiglöckchen, along with the rose, lily and other flowers, are so-called Marienblumen, Mary’s flowers. The lily of the valley stands for the chaste love, humility, and modesty of Mary. The flower is also mentioned in Song of Songs 2:1 “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley.” In the German Hohelied the text says “Ich bin eine Narzisse von Scharon, eine Lilie der Täler.”
The two paintings below are by an unknown artist from the Oberrhein (Upper Rhine area). The first painting shows Mary with strawberry plants which are sometimes also called “roses without thorns”. The Lily of the Valley is at the bottom right.
The second painting by the same unknown artist has a similar motif and depicts Mary in the garden. The painting is called “Paradiesgärtlein” (little paradise garden). In this picture the Maiglöckchen is located in the bottom middle.
Secular Symbolism
If the Lily of the Valley is not directly associated with the Virgin Mary, it is a symbol for purity, love, and good luck. Many brides used to and still do carry a bouquet of Maiglöckchen. The groom might have a wedding dress shirt or waistcoat embroidered with Lilies of the Valley and Forget me nots. (see Google Arts and Culture Gallery or Pinterest Board)
The following painting shows the Duke of Wellington offering a present to Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and Prince Arthur. The Queen commissioned the painting for May 1st, 1851, the first birthday of Prince Arthur. The toddler is holding a bouquet of Lilies of the Valley that were often given on May Day for good luck.
Especially in France, Lilies of the Valley are given as presents on May 1st.
There is not a lot of background information about the second painting. It depicts a noble woman holding a Lily of the Valley. It was painted in the 18th century by an unknown artist. We can speculate that the Maiglöckchen symbolizes the woman’s pure heart.
You can also find the Lily of the Valley in crests or emblems, often with the association to the name “Meier” and its different spellings. However, the Lily of the Valley is not a very common symbol used in heraldry.
Maiglöckchen in Literature and Music
The poem “Maiglöckchen läutet in dem Tal” was written by Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1844 and is also known under the title “Maiglöckchen und die Blümelein“. It was published in “Kinderlieder”. The poem was set to music by different composers but the most known version is probably by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
Maiglöckchen läutet in dem Tal (Maiglöckchen und die Blümelein)
Maiglöckchen läutet in dem Tal
das klingt so hell und fein
So kommt zum Reigen allzumal
ihr lieben Blümelein
Die Blümchen, blau und gelb und weiß,
Die kommen all´ herbei,
Vergißmeinnicht und Ehrenpreis,
Zeitlos´ und Akelei.
Maiglöckchen spielt zum Tanz im Nu,
Und alle tanzen dann;
Der Mond sieht ihnen freundlich zu,
Hat seine Freude dran.
Den Junker Reif verdroß das sehr,
Er kommt ins Tal hinein:
Maiglöckchen spielt zum Tanz nicht mehr,
Fort sind die Blümelein!
Doch kaum der Reif das Tal verläßt,
Da rufet wiederum
Maiglöckchen zu dem Frühlingsfest
Und läutet bim bam bum.
Nun hält´s auch mich nicht mehr zu Haus,
Maiglöckchen ruft auch mich:
Die Blümchen gehn zum Tanz hinaus,
Zum Tanze geh auch ich!
Joseph von Eichendorff, arguably the poet of the Romantic era, also wrote a poem dedicated to the Lily of the Valley as the harbinger of spring.
Maiglöckchen
Läuten kaum die Maienglocken,
leise durch den lauen Wind,
hebt ein Knabe froh erschrocken,
aus dem Grase sich geschwind.
Schüttelt in den Blütenflocken,
seine feinen blonden Locken,
Und nun wehen Lerchenlieder
und es schlägt die Nachtigall,
von den Bergen rauschend wieder
kommt der kühle Wasserfall.
Rings im Walde bunt Gefieder,
Frühling ist es wieder
und ein Jauchzen überall.
“Maiglöckchen, Maiglöckchen” by Lutz Templin from the 1940s.
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