Lilies are some of the most stunning and fragrant flowers in the world, making them a popular choice for bouquets, centerpieces, and gardens. But their beauty isn’t the only reason lilies are beloved. They also carry a lot of symbolism.
Depending on the culture and time period, the lilies meaning can vary significantly. These flowers have been associated with everything from purity and love to death and mourning.
In this article, we’ll delve into the captivating world of lilies, exploring their symbolism, history, and cultural significance. We’ll explore the meanings associated with different colors and types of lilies, as well as their uses in various contexts, so you can pick the perfect flower for the occasion.
What does the lily symbolize?
The lily is a flower that’s packed with meaning. The specific meaning can vary depending on the color of the bloom, but here are some of the core symbolic meanings of the lily:
- Love. Lilies are often used to show love, although the type of love can vary with the color of the flower. They’re common in romantic gestures and bridal bouquets.
- Purity and innocence. White lilies are most often associated with purity, innocence, and virginity. This association comes from religious and cultural traditions.
- Fertility and rebirth. Lilies can also represent fertility, motherhood, and new beginnings, probably because they are associated with the cycle of life and with regeneration.
- Remembrance. Because they symbolize the soul’s return to innocence, lilies are often used in remembrance ceremonies and funerals. They represent hope and the promise of eternal life.
It’s important to remember that the symbolism of the lily isn’t universal. It varies across cultures. Lilies may be associated with royalty or power in some cultures, while in others, they’re linked to religious figures or deities.
So, when you give lilies as a gift or use them for a specific occasion, it’s important to consider the cultural context to make sure the meaning you’re intending to convey is clear.
Lily symbolism by flower color
The meaning of a lily can also vary depending on its color. Here’s a look at what the different colors of lilies symbolize:
White Lilies: Purity, Innocence, and Sympathy
White lilies are often associated with purity, innocence, rebirth, and sympathy. Because of their association with purity and rebirth, you’ll commonly see white lilies at weddings, baptisms, and Easter celebrations, as well as at funerals.
Pink Lilies: Love, Femininity, and Admiration
If you want to express a soft, gentle love, pink lilies are a great choice. They also symbolize femininity, admiration, and gratitude. Pink lilies are often given for birthdays, on Mother’s Day, or as a gesture of support.
Red Lilies: Passion and Romantic Love
For passion and romantic love, you can’t go wrong with red lilies. These are a popular choice for Valentine’s Day and wedding anniversaries.
Orange Lilies: Energy, Positivity, and Accomplishment
Orange lilies symbolize positivity, energy, warmth, and accomplishment. They’re appropriate for graduations, new jobs, and homecomings.
Yellow Lilies: Joy, Happiness, and Thankfulness
If you’re looking to express joy, happiness, new beginnings, and thankfulness, yellow lilies are the way to go. They’re often given for birthdays, to celebrate new ventures, or simply as a gesture of appreciation.
Purple Lilies: Royalty, Pride, and Success
Purple lilies represent royalty, pride, success, and accomplishment. These can be given to celebrate achievements or to express admiration for someone’s status or power.
A Brief History of Lilies
Lilies are one of the oldest flowers we know. People have cultivated them for all kinds of reasons since ancient times, including medicine.
Lilies originally grew in the northern hemisphere, in places like Taiwan, Japan, China, North America, the Middle East, and the Balkans.
Today, the Netherlands grows more lilies than any other country. That’s where most of the lilies sold as cut flowers come from.
Breeders have created hybrid lilies that are stronger and easier to grow than the wild kinds. This means there are more lilies available than ever, and they come in more colors and types.
Lilies in religion and mythology
For centuries, lilies have been associated with religious figures and have been featured in myths from around the world.
Christianity
In the Christian tradition, the white lily is often associated with the Virgin Mary and symbolizes her purity and innocence. Lilies are also connected to Jesus Christ and represent his resurrection and the hope he offers believers.
Greek mythology
In ancient Greece, the lily was associated with Hera, queen of the gods. One legend says that lilies sprang from Hera’s milk, solidifying their connection to divinity and motherhood.
Other cultural and religious associations
Lilies show up in a variety of other cultural and religious settings, often representing themes of purity, rebirth, and divinity. Because of these ancient associations, lilies have a rich symbolic history and have retained their appeal over the centuries.
Types of Lilies
Lilies are categorized into nine different divisions, each with unique characteristics. These divisions include Asiatic, Oriental, Aurelian trumpet, Candidum, and Longiflorum lilies, among others.
Popular lily types
- Asiatic lilies are known for their bright colors and the way their flowers face upward. They’re generally unscented and relatively easy to grow.
- Oriental lilies are prized for their intense fragrance and large, showy flowers. They often have recurved petals and come in intense colors.
- Longiflorum lilies are characterized by their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers. You’ll often find them in Easter displays and funeral arrangements.
Distinguishing true lilies
Many flowers are commonly called “lilies,” but they aren’t actually part of the Lilium genus. Some examples include calla lilies, Gymea lilies, Peruvian lilies, and water lilies.
A word of caution
While lilies are beautiful and symbolic, they also carry a few important considerations.
Lily Toxicity to Animals
Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats. Even small amounts can cause severe vomiting and kidney failure. Dogs and horses can also be affected, though usually less severely. If you have pets, you should probably avoid keeping lilies in your home or garden.
Medicinal and Edible Uses
Some cultures have used lilies in traditional medicine, particularly for heart health. Certain lily species are also edible, used as flavoring agents and ingredients in various cuisines, like Chinese dishes. However, you should thoroughly research edibility before consuming any lily, as some can be toxic to humans, too.
The Bottom Line
Lilies are so much more than just pretty flowers. These blossoms are packed with symbolism, representing everything from love and purity to rebirth and sympathy. The meaning often depends on the color of the lily and the cultural context, adding layers of depth to these already striking blooms.
When you’re selecting lilies for a special occasion, it’s worth considering what message you want to send. Picking the right color and type of lily can make your gesture even more meaningful, whether it’s for a wedding, a funeral, or simply to show someone you care.
With their captivating beauty and rich symbolism, lilies continue to be a favorite flower around the world. They offer a timeless way to express beauty, hope, and remembrance.