For those born in the heart of spring, the month of May brings with it one of the most elegant and regal flowers: the lily.
Specifically, the lily of the valley. These fragrant, bell-shaped blooms symbolize purity, humility, and the return of happiness.
Choosing a May birth flower tattoo is a beautiful way to honor your birth month with a design that is both classic and rich with meaning.
Embarking on the journey to find your perfect tattoo should be an exciting process of self-expression.
To help you find a design that resonates with you, we have compiled a list of 12 breathtaking lily designs.
Whether you envision a small, delicate piece or a large, intricate work of art, this guide will provide plenty of inspiration.
We will explore various artistic styles, placements, and the deep symbolism behind this enchanting flower.
So, find a comfy spot, maybe grab a notebook, and let’s dive into the graceful world of lily tattoos.
The Deep Meaning Behind a May Birth Flower Tattoo
Before we explore the designs, let’s take a moment to appreciate why the lily is such a powerful choice for a tattoo.
The lily of the valley, May’s primary birth flower, is steeped in tradition and folklore. It represents motherhood, sweetness, and purity of heart.
A May birth flower tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of these gentle qualities and the beauty of a life filled with love and happiness.
The planning stage of a tattoo is a creative endeavor in itself. It’s the perfect time to collect ideas and sketch out your vision.
Using a dedicated sketchbook, like the {Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad}, gives you a high-quality canvas to play with different compositions. Its fine-tooth surface is ideal for pencil work, allowing you to capture the delicate details of lily petals before your consultation.
Symbolism of the Lily of the Valley
- Purity and Humility: The flower’s modest, downward-facing bells and pure white color are symbols of a humble and pure spirit.
- Return to Happiness: In the language of flowers, it signifies the end of sorrow and the return of joy.
- Motherhood: It is often associated with traditional motherly virtues like love, care, and sweetness.
12 Breathtaking Lily Designs for Your Tattoo
Ready to be inspired? Here are twelve distinct lily tattoo ideas to help you find the perfect May birth flower tattoo.
1. Delicate Lily of the Valley on the Collarbone
A sprig of lily of the valley arching gracefully along the collarbone is an incredibly elegant and feminine choice.
This placement accentuates the natural lines of the body. A fine-line style, either in black ink or with subtle white highlights, keeps the design looking delicate and ethereal.
To test out how a design will look on such a prominent spot, you can use skin-safe markers to draw it on yourself.
The {Inkbox Freehand Tattoo Marker} allows you to create a realistic, temporary version of your tattoo idea that lasts for a week or two, giving you plenty of time to decide if you love the placement.
2. A Single Stem Behind the Ear
For those who prefer a more discreet tattoo, a tiny, single stem of lily of the valley tucked behind the ear is a perfect choice.
It’s a sweet secret that’s only revealed when you wear your hair up. Given the small area, a simple, clean outline works best to maintain clarity.
3. Vintage Botanical Illustration Style
Embrace a classic, scientific aesthetic with a vintage botanical illustration of a lily.
This style often includes the flower, stem, leaves, and even the roots, rendered with fine lines and cross-hatching for shading.
It looks like a page torn from an old botany textbook, making for a sophisticated and timeless May birth flower tattoo, especially on the forearm or calf.
To keep a detailed tattoo like this looking crisp for years, sun protection is non-negotiable.
A high-SPF sunscreen designed for tattoos, like {CannaSmack Ink Guard Tattoo Sunscreen Stick}, is easy to apply and helps prevent the fine lines from blurring due to sun damage.
4. Lily of the Valley Crescent Moon
Combine the earthly beauty of your birth flower with the magic of the cosmos. A design featuring a sprig of lily of the valley intertwined with a delicate crescent moon is enchanting.
This can symbolize the connection between nature, dreams, and feminine energy. It looks particularly beautiful on the shoulder blade or hip.
5. Watercolor Splash Lily Bouquet
If you love color, a watercolor-style tattoo is a fantastic way to bring your May birth flower tattoo to life.
This technique uses soft washes of green and white, often bleeding outside the lines of the flowers to mimic a true watercolor painting.
It’s an artistic and vibrant choice that looks stunning on a larger canvas like the thigh or upper back.
6. Minimalist Finger Sprig
A very small, minimalist sprig of lily of the valley on the side of a finger is a subtle yet chic statement. It’s a dainty and modern placement.
Remember that finger tattoos are prone to fading more quickly due to constant use and washing, so be prepared for potential touch-ups to keep it looking fresh.
The healing process for finger tattoos requires diligent aftercare. Using a specialized tattoo ointment is crucial.
A product like {Aquaphor Healing Ointment} is highly recommended by artists for creating a protective barrier that keeps the area moisturized without clogging pores, which is essential for such a high-motion area.
7. The “Locket” Frame Design
Encase your May birth flower tattoo in an ornamental, locket-shaped frame. This creates a beautiful, neo-traditional look that feels like a treasured keepsake.
The frame can be simple or incredibly ornate with Victorian-style flourishes. This design is perfect for the chest, back of the arm, or top of the foot.
If you’re drawing a complex design like this yourself, a good set of colored pencils can help you visualize the final piece.
The {Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils} have a soft core that is perfect for blending and creating rich, layered colors, helping you mock up a vibrant and detailed design.
8. Lily of the Valley Bracelet or Anklet
A continuous band of lily of the valley stems and flowers wrapping around the wrist or ankle creates a permanent, delicate piece of jewelry.
This design is beautifully symbolic and flows with the natural shape of the body. It can be done in fine-line black and grey or with soft touches of color.
9. A Tribute Tattoo with a Name or Date
Personalize your lily of the valley tattoo by incorporating a significant name or date.
The stem of the flower can be elegantly shaped into script, or a name can be tucked neatly among the leaves. This is a deeply meaningful way to honor a loved one, a child, or a special milestone.
10. The Mirrored Design
For a symmetrical and visually striking piece, consider a mirrored design of two lily of the valley sprigs.
This works exceptionally well on the chest (under the clavicles), the back of the neck flanking the spine, or on both forearms. The symmetry creates a sense of balance and harmony.
11. White Ink Lily Tattoo
For an incredibly subtle and ethereal effect, a white ink tattoo is a unique choice. A May birth flower tattoo done entirely in white ink looks like a ghostly imprint or a delicate scar on the skin.
It’s a beautiful option for those who want a tattoo that is understated and personal, visible mostly to them.
12. Asymmetrical Bouquet on the Hip
An asymmetrical bouquet of lilies of the valley placed on the hip is a sensual and beautiful placement. The design can follow the curve of your body, creating a flattering and organic flow.
This larger area allows for more detail, perhaps including other complementary flowers or elements.
To keep the skin on your body supple and ready for a larger tattoo, regular moisturizing is key.
Using a nourishing body oil in the weeks leading up to your appointment can make a big difference. {Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil} is excellent for improving skin elasticity and ensuring your skin is in the best possible condition to receive ink.
How to Care for Your New Tattoo
The aftercare phase is critical for ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come. Always follow your artist’s specific instructions.
Generally, you’ll need to wash the tattoo gently 2-3 times a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel—never rub.
After a couple of days, you can begin applying a very thin layer of unscented moisturizer. Avoid sun exposure, swimming, and tight clothing over the area until it’s fully healed.
Summary of Recommended Products
Here’s a handy table of the products mentioned to help you with every step of your tattoo journey, from planning to aftercare.
| Product Name | Category | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad | Planning | High-quality paper that’s perfect for detailed pencil sketches. |
| Inkbox Freehand Tattoo Marker | Planning | Lets you test-drive your design and placement with a realistic temporary tattoo. |
| CannaSmack Ink Guard Tattoo Sunscreen | Protection | Easy-to-use stick sunscreen to protect your ink from fading. |
| Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Aftercare | A classic, artist-recommended ointment for healing fresh tattoos. |
| Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils | Design | Rich, blendable pencils for creating colorful mock-ups of your design. |
| Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil | Prep | Excellent for improving skin elasticity and prepping it for ink. |
Final Thoughts
A May birth flower tattoo is a deeply personal and beautiful way to carry the symbols of purity, happiness, and love with you always. The elegant lily of the valley offers endless artistic possibilities, allowing you to create a piece that is uniquely yours.
Take your time to find an artist whose style you adore and work with them to bring your vision to life. This is a celebration of you, and the final piece should be something you are proud to wear forever.
We hope these 12 breathtaking designs have sparked your imagination for your own perfect lily tattoo.
