Linh Lan is a Vietnamese name that is derived from the Chinese flower name 鈴蘭 (línglán). This flower’s scientific name is Convallaria majalis L., given by the Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné in 1753. It is the only species in the Convallaria genus, part of the Asparagaceae family. In French, it is known as Muguet de mai, while in English it is called Lily of the valley.
The delicate fragrance of lily of the valley flowers quickly fills the air as they bloom through the foliage. These small, perennial plants grow up to 20-30 cm tall, with underground stems that have branching roots. At the top of the stem, large underground shoots emerge with heart-shaped or narrow leaves. The bell-shaped flowers are usually white, sometimes slightly pink or even red, leaning to one side as they bloom.
Each stem grows to about 15-20 cm, with approximately 10 flowers measuring around 8 mm in diameter. The berries are fleshy, turning red when ripe, with a diameter of 5-7 mm and containing numerous large, pale white or light brown seeds.
Although all categorized under the same species, lily of the valley flowers are divided into four varieties that botanists believe will eventually become distinct species: Convallaria majalis var. keiskei (found in China and Japan, with bell-shaped red flowers); Convallaria majalis var. majalis (found in Europe and Asia, with white veins on the flowers); Convallaria majalis var. montana (found in North America, with light green veins on the flowers); Convallaria majalis var. rosea (pink flowers recognized by many scholars).
In France, lily of the valley is a symbol of happiness. On the 1st of May each year, the French have a tradition of giving each other these flowers to wish for a year of joy, with recipients often hanging the flowers in their homes to bring happiness for the remainder of the year. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Andorra also have similar customs. Some believe that a branch of lily of the valley with exactly 13 small blooms will bring good luck. In French folklore, this flower also symbolizes 13 years of togetherness.
There are many legends surrounding the lily of the valley. One tells of Leonardo, the forest guardian, who planted a fragrant white lily of the valley in a snowy land, embodying Saint Leonard. The delicate blossoms are also known as “Our Lady’s Tears,” representing the tears of the Virgin Mary or the tears of women.
According to Ukrainian folklore, there is a beautiful girl who waits for her lover to return from his journey, but he never comes back. Her tears fall on the grass in the forest and turn into fragrant orchids. In Greek mythology, orchids are said to have been created by the god Apollo.
The national flower of Finland and the kingdom of Yugoslavia is the orchid. It is believed that orchids are the shattered pearl necklace of Snow White or the small lanterns of the seven dwarfs. In the language of flowers, orchids symbolize the passion of youth, enthusiasm, and the return of happiness.
Typically, this type of flower can be grown in pots, pruned for decoration, or planted in a shady area in the garden. It is important to note, however, that while it is used in traditional medicine with the right dosage, the entire lily of the valley plant is highly toxic and can be deadly if consumed (especially if the flowers are ingested or water from the plant is consumed).
Before blooming, orchids can be mistaken for wild garlic, so when planting them for decoration, it is important to distinguish between the two: their leaf structures are different, and garlic leaves have a stronger scent than orchid flowers.