Lily Flower Meaning & Symbolism + Planting & Caring for Lilies

Lily flower meanings include beauty, purity, fertility, transformation, rebirth, and devotion. The beauty of this flower has inspired the work of writers and artists for centuries. In fact, the lily is considered so perfect that it inspired the saying – “gild the lily” – to exaggerate somewhat, because the lily is already perfect as it is. In this post, you will learn more about lily symbols and meanings, including spiritual and color meanings. You’ll also get tips on planting lilies and more.

What do lilies mean?

Here are some common qualities that the lily represents:

beauty purity fertility transformation and rebirth dedication

beauty

Naturalist John Muir wrote of the lily:

“So extraordinary is nature with her choicest treasures, giving out plant beauty as she spends sunshine, pouring it out on land and sea, garden and desert. And so the beauty of the lilies falls on angels and humans, bears and squirrels, wolves and sheep, birds and bees.”

There are over 90 species of lilies found throughout the northern hemisphere. Few would claim that they add beauty to the landscapes in which they appear. In fact, they are symbols of beauty, which is probably why the name Lily is a very popular name for girls.

purity

In addition to beauty, the lily flower is also a symbol of purity, as well as chastity and virtue. Like the lotus flower, some lily species grow in murky environments. The lily begins as a bulb in the earth or mud, then blooms brightly above the surface as if it has been cleansed. Therefore, the lily also symbolizes the immaculate.

The gift of a lily represents a pure heart and good intentions. It also symbolizes that no matter where you are from or what mistakes you have made in your past, there is an opportunity for salvation with pure intentions and good deeds.

fertility

As the lily flower transforms from a closed bud into a blooming flower, they are reminiscent of a baby growing in the womb. The lily is also a symbol of fertility. Couples wishing to conceive can meditate on the lily. Additionally, they can have them in their home and garden to bring calm, positive energy to help them conceive.

transformation and rebirth

Lilies are often given to the mourners and at memorial services to honor a loved one who has passed away. That is why these flowers are associated with mourning. However, the meaning of the lily flower represents something deeper – transformation and rebirth.

After all, death is the transition from the earthly, material plane to the spiritual plane. When a lily emerges from the water or the earth and its bud begins to open, it symbolizes the cycle of life and spiritual evolution. Like the symbolism of the lotus flower, the meaning of the lily also represents this cycle.

In this way, the lily shares synergies with the dragonfly, frog, and butterfly power animals. All go through a metamorphosis.

When the lily flower opens, it symbolizes reaching a level of spiritual enlightenment. We are all here to evolve on a spiritual level, and death is an important step in that transformation. That’s why we give lilies to people who are mourning the loss of a loved one. It is a gentle reminder that although they are grieving, their loved one has entered a higher state of consciousness.

This is also why the Easter lily is such a time-honored tradition. It represents hope and the rebirth of the earth with spring and the rebirth of Christ.

dedication

Lily flower meaning also includes devotion. As well as being a symbol of purity, the lily represents clarity of thought and righteous intentions. Another way to describe this could be faith. Devotion means devotion to another person, a group of people, children or even animals. It can also mean devotion to a spiritual practice or calling. Since the lily is a symbol of devotion, it is given on the 30th wedding anniversary. In addition, it is planted in memorials or in gardens of special importance.

Symbolism of the water lily

Like the lotus, the water lily is an unusual flower as it grows in watery environments. For this reason, the water lily is a symbol of transformation and personal growth, as well as our connection to the superconscious.

While land represents the material world, water represents our ability to connect with our subconscious to reach new levels of understanding and insight. The water lily represents an ability to move back and forth between our conscious and superconscious states.

Lily color meaning

The lily comes in a range of colors and each has a special meaning. Here is what lilies of different colors symbolize:

White lily flower meaning

White lily flower meaning includes purity, faith, beauty and angels.

English composer and poet Thomas Campion captured the essence of female beauty when he wrote: “In her eyes is a garden where roses and white lilies flow.”

Just as the rose represents love and passion, the white lily represents pure, natural beauty.
The white lily is a popular flower for bridal bouquets, newborn gifts and funeral bouquets.

White lilies include:

stargazer lily (lily ‘Stargazer’) Madonna Lily (Lilium candidaum) Easter lily (Lilium lalatin nongiflorum) White Oriental Lily or Casa Blanca Lily (lily ‘Casa Blanca’) Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) Formosa Lily (Lilium formosanum) royal lily (Lilium shelves) Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) – does not belong to the true lily family White water lily (Nymphaea alba) – does not belong to the true lily family Fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata) – not in the true lily family

pink lily

Pink lily flower meaning encompasses platonic love, compassion, and honoring the feminine energy. This color lily is a beautiful gift for female relatives, friends and girls or men who love the color pink!

Pink lilies include:

stargazer lily (lily ‘Stargazer’) Acapulco Lily (lily ‘Acapulco’) Elodie Lily (lily ‘Elodie’) Denia Elfin Lily (lily ‘Denia Pixie’) Lollipop Lily (lily ‘Lollipop’) Longiflorum Asiatic Lily (lily ‘Brindisi’) Tom Pouce Lily (lily ‘Tom Pouce’) Pink Waterlily (Nymphaea ‘Pink Opal’) – does not belong to the true lily family Hot pink water lily (Nymphaea ‘Pink Sensation’) – not in the true lily family

Red lily meaning

The color red symbolizes romantic life and passion. Since they are perennial flowers, the red lily also represents romantic bonding, devotion and everlasting love.

Red Lilies include:

Matrix Lily (lily ‘Matrix’) Martagon Lily (lily ‘Claude Shride’) Asiatic Red Lily (lily ‘Monte Negro’) Forza Lily (lily ‘Forza Red’) Coral Lily (lily Pumilum) Darken Asiatic Lily (lily ‘Black Out’) Woodland Lily or Western Red Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)

Meaning of Orange and Tiger Lily

There are a few subspecies of lilies that come in bright orange. The tiger lily in particular is one of the most popular species. Just as the tiger spirit animal symbolizes strength, confidence and majesty, so too does the tiger lily flower symbolize.

The color orange also symbolizes health and well-being. Orange lily meaning, then, encompasses vitality and long-term health.

In stark contrast to the dwindling violet, the orange lily embodies the saying:

“The world belongs to the brave.”

Types of lilies that are orange include:

tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium) leopard lily (Lilium pardilinum) Henry’s lily (lily ‘Henryi’) Orange Lily (Lilium bulbiferum) Orange Pixie Lily (lily ‘Orange Pixie’) Asiatic Magic Lily (lily Enchantment) Canada Lily (Lilium canadense)

Yellow Lily Flower

Yellow lily flower meaning represents joy, happiness, laughter and gratitude. Like warm sunshine, these feel-good flowers. They are ideal for raising one’s spirits or that of others, whether in a bouquet or in the garden. They also make lovely thank you gifts.

Yellow lily species include:

Connecticut royal lily (lily ‘Connecticut king’) Golden lily (lily ‘Golden Splendor’) Gold Ray Lily (Lilium auratum) African Queen Trumpet Lily (lily ‘African Queen’) Trebbiano Lily (lily ‘Trebbiano’) Canada Lily (Lilium canadense) Yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea) – not in the true lily family

Green lily flower meaning

Green lilies are rare hybrids and usually come in light lime green hues. The color green symbolizes nature, renewal, growth and feelings. A green lily is also a symbol of long-term romantic love or friendships that are being renewed. In addition, a green lily is a lucky flower to plant in the garden if you wish to grow a business or other financial endeavor. Because of this, they also make great gifts for loved ones who are trying to start a business or practice.

Green lilies include:

Trebbiano Lily (lily ‘Trebbiano’) Green Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria) – not in the true lily family plantain (hosta) – not in the true lily family

Blue Lily

Blue lilies are often species of flowers that do not belong to the actual lily genus (Lilium) but are reminiscent of lilies and/or referred to as lilies, such as the blue lily of the Nile. The color blue symbolizes trust, loyalty and spiritual awareness. Giving a blue lily as a gift or planting it in your garden is a beautiful tribute to long-standing friendships and trusting relationships. In addition, blue lilies symbolize devotion to faith and trust in a higher power.

Blue Lilies include:

Tufted Blue Lily (Thelionema caespitosum) – not in the true family of lilies African blue lily or lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox) – does not belong to the true lily family Blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea) – not in the true lily family

Purple lily flower meaning

The color purple symbolizes peace, harmony, royalty and spiritual enlightenment. Water lilies often come in shades of purple, including fuchsia, lavender, and shades of blue. For this reason, a pond with purple water lilies is an ideal place for meditation and the growth of a spiritual practice…