The May Flower

One old saying is “April Showers Bring May Flowers”.

Another is,”Ne’er cast a cloot till the month of May is oot. (Scottish saying).

The Scots would not be saying not to cast any clothing until May is past if experience shows them having to put their winter garments back on again, as with the chilly Scots mist this morning 11th May.

In fact they would not make this mistake if they remembered the accurate canny Scot’s saying that did not refer to the Calendar month but the seasonal flower, the MAY FLOWER.

When the MAY FLOWER appears then it is time for lighter clothing.

The question remains, What flower is the May flower?

ANSWER.

After the Pentecost Mass this morning, an elderly lady had the answer to the above question. She recalled that when she was young her husband used to the first Lily of the Valley he found. The May Flower has been familiar in her family tradition as the Lily of the Valley.

See WEB: flowers.org.uk/flowers/facts/k-r/lily-of-the-valley.htm
Lily of the Valley
Name: Botanically known as Convallaria.
Description: Little white bells arranged up a short delicate stem.
Origin: First cultivated in 1420.
Colour: White.
Availability: Mainly April and May.
Care Tips: Must not be left out of water too long. Keep cool and shaded.
Facts: Signifies a "return to happiness". Lily of the valley is much used in bridal arrangements for their sweet perfume. Traditionally associated with May 1st, especially in France where the "muguet" is handed out at special events.

See illustration.

Not surprisingly, as we put back warmer clothes, the Lily of the Valley
has not yet appeared at Nunraw.