Have you ever received a bouquet of lilies? Or seen them at weddings or funerals?
I used to think flowers were just for looking pretty and smelling nice. Until one day, my neighbors received a huge bouquet of pure white lilies. That elegant aura instantly captivated me. That’s when I started wondering: Why lilies specifically? What exactly are they trying to “say”?
This flower is no ordinary bloom!
White Lilies: The Symbol of Purity
The most common variety is the white lily. What does it represent? Quite simply, purity, cleanliness, and unblemished innocence.
In many cultures, especially Western ones, white lilies are associated with the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her kindness and purity. Thus, seeing them at weddings signifies blessings for a pure, lifelong union; at funerals, they express hopes for the departed soul’s peace and purification. Notice how the same white flower carries subtly different meanings in different contexts.
Purple Lilies: The Noble “VIP”
What about purple lilies? Wow, this is the color of nobility!
In the past, purple dye was exceptionally expensive, affordable only to kings and queens. Thus, purple lilies naturally became symbols of nobility, success, and pride. If you want to congratulate a friend on a promotion or graduation, or express respect to a highly esteemed person, giving a bouquet of purple lilies carries significant weight.
Wait, are all “lilies” actually true lilies?
That’s a great question! Actually, some flowers marketed as “XX lilies”—like calla lilies (also known as arum lilies)—aren’t true members of the lily family at all. They’re grouped together simply because they bear a passing resemblance. The real lily has bulbs composed of tightly interlocking scales, symbolizing “eternal harmony” and “perfect agreement”—a perfect auspicious omen.
A Flower Stepping Out of Mythology
Even more fascinating, the lily’s story traces back to ancient Greece and Rome. Legend says it was born from the milk of the goddess Hera (or Juno) dripping down to earth. Who is the queen of the heavens? She’s the queen of the gods! Thus, lilies were born with “royal blood,” symbolizing motherly love, fertility, and supreme status. No wonder they frequently appear on ancient insignia and jewelry.
Ah, if only I’d known this sooner! I used to give flowers based purely on feeling, but now I realize each bloom hides a story and a heartfelt message.
So you see, next time you encounter a lily, don’t just admire its beauty. Pause and consider: What color is it? In what context does it appear? Perhaps then, you’ll decipher the secret it’s quietly trying to tell you.
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