Ladders to Heaven! - Lily-of-the-Valley

A perennial growing to 20cm (Convallaria majalis), the
lily-of-the-valley is native to Europe and Asia; leaves elliptical, in
pairs, the stalks sheathing, flowers droping, globular bells with six
short lobes, white, fragrant, beries red. It is cultivated for
ornament, and as a source of perfume.

The Lily-of-the-Valley is the beautiful emblem of humilty, of purity,
and of unconcious sweetness. In the days of King Solomon, in the Song
of Sons (2,1) it was used to express loveliness.

Indigenous to most European countries, the Lily-of-the-Valley grows
freely in the woods of Norway, Sweden and Germany. In Britain it is not
so frequently found in its wild state, but invariably to be found in
gardens where no blossom shows fairer that this pale lily whose pure
loveliness and sweetness cause it to be loved and admired.

The Germans have a particular affection for "little Maybells", as they
call them, and at Whitsuntide, houses were made fragrant and beautiful
by their deliciously sweet scenting blooms. French people know
Lily-of-the-Valley as "Mary's tears".

In pagan times, the Lily-of-the-Valley was assigned to Ostara, Norse
Goddess of day and of light. From her, it passed to the Virgin Mary, to
whom, as emblematic of purity, it was dedicated by the monks and nuns
of mediaeval days.

In some parts of England these beautiful lilies are still known by
their old name of "May Flowers", and "May lillies", and the very lovely
name of "ladders to heaven".

One legend tells how, in the forest of St. Leanord, the young warrior
saint of that name met and faced with the mighty dragon Sin; how for
three wholde days and nights, single handed, the brave youth wrestled
with the foe, until happily, the fourth day brought him victory, and
saw the hideous dragon driven into the deep recesses of the world.
Wherever St. Leanord's blood had stained the ground, there, every year,
vale lilies spring and softly chime their bells to mark the victory won
for God.