For many years the lily has been a flower that has been a symbol of devotion and purity. It is often sought as a floral choice for funerals and losses; however, it is also given as a sign of love and appreciation. There are many different types of lilies, but two common ones are the Madonna and Virgin Mary lilies, which have great Christian significance.

For the horticulturist, lilies are part of the Lilium family, which refers to true lilies. How do you know a true lily, or what is part of the Lilium family? In the plant world, some flowers have the name lily, such as daylilies or calla lilies. These flowers, while they have the word “lily” in it, are not part of the Lilium family.

In this post, we are going to uncover:

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind the Lily

Influential poet William Blake once wrote:

The modest rose puts forth a thorn, the humble sheet a threat’ning horn: While the lily-white shall in love delight, nor a thorn nor a thread stain her beauty.

This famous line has truly encompassed what the lily means and symbolizes.

Are you celebrating a 30th wedding anniversary? Or, maybe you know someone who is celebrating this milestone? The lily is the ideal flower to give, as it represents devotion and dedication. The flower has also been known to represent parenthood and fertility, which is why it is a popular floral bouquet to give during a baby shower or birth.

Other meanings and symbolism of the lily include rebirth, passion, purity, and royalty.

There are many variations of the lily; some of those examples include:

  • Madonna
  • Stargazer
  • Tiger
  • Easter
  • Royal
  • Martagon
  • Casa Blanca
  • Canada

These are common variations of the lily that can be found in most, if not all, floral shops. They are also a common floral choice when sending flowers.

Greek and Roman cultures hold the lily in high respect, especially with its history as being medicinal. In Greek mythology, it is said that the lily flower came to be from the milk of Hera, who was the wife of Zeus. It is this myth that has led to the flower representing rebirth, motherhood, and purity.

The lily is one of the few flowers that have many representations and symbolism. A few interpretations of the lily include:

  • Femininity – Centuries ago, Greek, Romans, and Egyptians saw the lily as representing women and the purity of womanhood. Today, different colors of the lily are used for weddings and baby showers, but also as a gift to symbolize or encourage fertility.
  • Purity – Along with representing femininity, the lily also represents purity. The representation of innocence is one reason this flower is used at weddings and a popular bridal choice.
  • Love – Red or pink, whatever the occasion, lilies make a great floral choice to show that special someone in your life just how much they mean to you. Whether it is Valentine’s Day, a wedding anniversary, or as a “just because” gift, lilies can symbolize love and dedication.
  • Good luck – While the Irish have the four-leaf clover for good luck, the Chinese have the lily as a flower to represent good fortune. In Chinese culture, during a wedding, it is customary to tie a lily on the wrists of the groom and bride to wish them good luck and prosperity.

Different Colors of Lily

As with most flowers, different colors of a flower are going to have different meanings. Just like the rose, the lily can come in an array of colors. Are you looking to send a bouquet of lilies but don’t know what kind to give?

Here are common lily colors that one can pick from:

White – This is a popular color choice for lilies as it represents purity and modesty, which is why it is commonly given during a funeral. This does not mean that you can only give white lilies during a funeral; they can also be used during weddings, baby showers, and other celebrations.

Yellow – Put a smile on your recipients’ faces with yellow lilies, which symbolize happiness and joy. This is a great floral choice to give to someone who you want to feel appreciated and remembered.

Red – As with most Red Flowers that symbolize love and passion, the red lily is no different. The red lily symbolizes love and beauty, and the lily would be a great flower alternative to the rose on Valentine’s Day.

Pink – Next to red, the pink lily is one that symbolizes admiration and infatuation. They can be a good flower to give someone you admire, such as a friend, acquaintance, or maybe a crush.

Why Give a Lily?

The lily is part of an elite group of flowers that evoke such intense and passionate feelings. They are an easy to maintain flower, and whether you give it as a bouquet or plant that special someone in your life a lily garden, they are going to appreciate the thought.

If you are going to be surprising them with a lily garden, make sure you know when to plant them as it does require some time and prepping before they can come into full bloom. Typically, when it comes to lilies, you would plant them in the fall, and by spring, they would blossom. Once they come into bloom, there is a sweet and floral smell that they emit, which makes them not only beautiful but pleasant to smell as well.

Lilies or any flower, in general, is one way of expressing our emotions and appreciations towards someone special and significant in our life. They can say what we sometimes struggle to say in words. The lily is a flower that symbolizes everything from happiness, appreciation, and dedication. They can be used at funerals, birthdays, and weddings, which makes them a truly versatile and multi-functional flower.