Are you hunting for the perfect May birth flower tattoo? Girl, I got you. Whether you’re into tiny, delicate pieces or something bright and dramatic, May gives us two gorgeous muses: the lily of the valley and the hawthorn. I’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas that feel personal, meaningful, and honestly — really pretty. Stick around and see if one of these speaks to you.
A hawthorn piece framed in bold blackwork
Credit: beccimaryanne
Okay, picture this: a hawthorn tattoo on the forearm done in striking blackwork, with those red flowers popping against a dark frame. The contrast is dramatic but also kind of comforting — like a protective cloak around something tender. There's a sweet old meaning here too: hawthorns have been thought to drive away bad vibes, so the dark frame feels like the tough stuff while the flowers are the good you carry through life.
Subtle, fine-line lily of the valley for the arm
Credit: makeamindfullmark
I love how gentle this one is. A fine-line lily of the valley on the arm reads totally feminine and soft, like a quiet reminder to hold on to purity and innocence — not as a rigid rule but as a little compass for how you move through the world. It's the kind of design that feels like a secret charm.
A neo-traditional lily of the valley with bold colors
Credit: sola.kaida
If you want something with presence, try a neo-traditional style — bold colors, dotwork accents, and those bright white touches on the flowers that really underscore the purity vibe. It’s playful and powerful at the same time, like keeping your inner child close while still moving through life with intention and humility.
Hawthorn wreath with holding hands — soft and poetic
Credit: johnny.beavers
This one reads straight out of a love story: holding hands inside a hawthorn wreath, done in soft black and gray. With hawthorn being a “mayflower” tied to spring and new romance, the whole piece feels like gratitude for those tender beginnings — a gentle nod to the ways love blooms and grows.
A personalized, statement hawthorn tribute
Credit: alexprachthausertattoos
Want to shout your love from the rooftops? This bold calf design with bright red hawthorn flowers is the kind of tattoo you pick as a tribute — maybe to a sister, a friend, someone who changed your world. The red is intense and full of feeling, so if you want to mark something truly deep, this could be it.
Delicate lily of the valley framed like a tiny keepsake
Credit: mclametattoos
There’s something so elegant about a little framed lily of the valley — it makes the floral piece feel like a treasured portrait. Because these flowers are also seen as protective, the frame kind of doubles down on that symbolism: keep the gentle things close, curate what you let into your life, and surround yourself with softness.
Edgy hawthorn done in dotwork
Credit: marissakaytattoo
If you want to stand out, dotwork hawthorn is such a cool option. It reads modern and a little bit rebellious, but it’s not just about the look — it’s a reminder to stay connected to nature. Sometimes all you need is a second to look around and feel how grounding the natural world can be.
A little inspirational lily of the valley with lettering
Credit: tattoojune
This one mixes a lily of the valley with lettering and a pop of bright blue — perfect if you like your tattoo to speak to you every morning. It’s all about faith in the journey and trusting that good things are coming. I love tattoos like this; they feel like a pep talk you carry on your skin.
A swallow with hawthorn flowers — loyalty and love
Credit: vickirosstattoo
A swallow with hawthorn blooms on its wings — how sweet is that? It’s colorful, playful, and loaded with meaning about true love and loyalty. If someone in your life makes you feel steady and whole, this could be a beautiful way to honor that connection.
A delicate geometric hawthorn for the ankle
Credit: lovearttattoojanneke
Want something small and modern? A fine-line hawthorn with geometric touches on the ankle is quietly striking. It feels contemporary but still honors the graceful nature of the flowers — like a subtle detail that somehow completes your whole vibe.
Taurus lilies of the valley — zodiac meets florals
Credit: ginnymarietattoos
If you’re a Taurus and want to celebrate your month, toss the constellation into your floral design. Dreamy colors, little stars — it’s got that celestial softness that makes the tattoo feel a bit magical and very you.
Shoulder hawthorn in bold dotwork
Credit: die_monde
A dotwork hawthorn on the shoulder is eye-catching and makes a statement without being over the top. There’s a theme of renewal with hawthorn too — like permission to start fresh whenever you need. I appreciate tattoos that give you that quiet push.
Lily of the valley framed in blackwork for contrast
Credit: sunhoundink
Want drama and depth? A blackwork frame around lilies of the valley balances darkness and light in a beautiful way: the frame can symbolize hard times, while the flowers are the return of joy. I always love tattoos that tell a story like that.
Tiny lilies with the Taurus constellation and crescent moon
Credit: bunami.ink
Small and meaningful — this design puts lilies under a crescent moon with the Taurus stars sprinkled in. It’s that perfect little piece for someone who likes symbolism without a huge display. Rebirth, mystery, and a wink to the cosmos.
A bird nestled among hawthorn blossoms
Credit: lydiatattoos
There’s a gentle kind of peace in a bird perched in hawthorn flowers. It feels like a reminder to slow down and notice the small, natural things that bring ease to the soul. If you want a daily nudge toward calm, this one’s sweet and unassuming.
A circular lily of the valley — protection and love
Credit: tattooist_mate
Turning lilies into a circle is such a cozy idea. The flowers stand for love and protection, and the circle reads like the safe space you create for those feelings to grow. It’s both visually pretty and emotionally resonant.
A bold hawthorn bouquet for the upper arm
Credit: sunnymoon.studio
If you’re into something statement-y, an upper arm bouquet of hawthorn in bold black ink is gorgeous. Historically, hawthorns were given at weddings for real love and affection, so this feels like a celebration of deep, lasting bonds.
Cheerful pink lilies of the valley
Credit: konton_tattoos
And finally, soft pink lilies that feel tender and warm. This one leans into feminine qualities — care, tenderness, and love — and is basically a wearable reminder to nurture the people you love and be grateful for them.
Wrap-Up
So — that’s the round-up. Whether you want tiny and protected, bold and dramatic, or something that whispers your zodiac sign, May’s flowers give you lots of ways to make the tattoo truly yours. If you try one of these ideas (or mix a few), send me a pic — I want to see how you make it your own. xo