Birth flower for May 17
Bellflower
Meaning: gratitude and constancy
The genus name Campanula is Latin for "little bell," and the nodding blooms really do look ready to ring in the breeze. The old European favorite Canterbury bells is said to be named after the bells on pilgrims' horses heading to Canterbury Cathedral. In Japan, a wild cousin is called hotarubukuro, "firefly bag," because children once tucked fireflies inside the flowers to make tiny lanterns.