The Lily: Symbolism and Meaning
A flower deeply associated with royalty, the lily carries several meanings in the language of flowers. Its voluptuously curved petals embody power and purity, making the lily an emblem of nobility and femininity. With Sessile.fr, discover the meaning of the lily.
Lily Fact Sheet
The lily is a bulbous plant in the Liliaceae family. Its highly fragrant flower comes in a wide range of colors. It has three petals and three similar sepals. Its center, shaped like a funnel or trumpet, is characterized by long stamens.
Easy to care for, the lily is a so-called “hardy” plant that can withstand very low temperatures and can therefore be grown both in gardens and indoors.
There are about a hundred species and varieties of lilies, some native to Europe, North America, or South Asia. The most popular hybrids include “Destiny,” “Empress of India,” “Imperial Gold,” and “Stargazer.”
An intoxicating scent with unexpected power
Not only is the scent of lilies particularly pleasant, but it also contains phenylethylamine, a substance that stimulates the body’s production of endorphins and induces a sense of calm and well-being.
However, some types of lilies are very fragrant and may bother people who are sensitive to strong scents, such as pregnant women. It is therefore best to avoid giving lilies to expectant and new mothers.
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The Lily in the Language of Flowers
A flower closely associated with saints and monarchs, the lily asserts its status as a noble flower. It is in the solemnity of major celebrations —such as weddings or funerals —that it allows us to experience its unique and sacred aura.
Although it is often associated with Christian liturgy, the lily surprisingly reveals a less chaste side in the context of love. Its intoxicating fragrance makes it a powerful erotic symbol, while preserving the purity of one’s feelings.
Rightly called the “king of flowers”—a title that echoes biblical legends and its royal heritage—the lily blends harmoniously with the red rose, the embodiment of passionate love. Together, they convey a message of respect and grandeur through the delicate art of floral design.
The Meaning of the Fleur-de-lis According to Its Colors
The fleur-de-lis has different symbolic meanings depending on the color of its petals.
- White lilies symbolize purity, faithfulness, and balance. They perfectly embody happiness and well-being.
- Orange lilies symbolize energy and add a touch of boldness to a floral arrangement.
- Red lilies symbolize passionate love and add a touch of elegance to the bouquets exchanged between star-crossed lovers.
- Purple lilies are perfect for a honeymoon because they symbolize the beginning of a new and promising chapter.
- Marbled lilies are the perfect symbol of sincere friendship.
Don’t hesitate to call on the expertise of your local florist from the Sessile.fr network to create a bouquet of colorful lilies, subtly accented with other flowers!
The lily, a symbol of power, royalty, and femininity
It’s interesting to know the meaning of the lily in order to fully appreciate its beauty. The lily is associated with power, sovereignty, and honor. This opulently beautiful flower also symbolizes the purity of body and soul. It is therefore not uncommon to find it in bridal bouquets, wedding decorations, or ceremonies of all kinds. The spiritual meaning of the lily is beauty, hope, inner balance, and decision-making.
The lily, the quintessential royal flower
The lily, or fleur-de-lis, has been the emblem of the French monarchy since the 12th century, when King Louis VII, fascinated by this exotic flower, decided to use it as a royal symbol on his coats of arms, crests, and seals. Thus was born the fleur-de-lis, which has become an integral part of European heraldry. The fleur-de-lis also appears on the coats of arms and other symbols of the German Empire.
The Religious Significance of the Fleur-de-lis
Because its history is closely linked to Judaism and Christianity, the fleur-de-lis carries a mystical aura.
As far back as ancient times, lilies were delicately carved onto Jewish tombs. The lily is even the origin of the six-pointed star. In the Christian faith, the lily is a symbol of purity, emblematic of the Virgin Mary. The Bible associates it with Eve, but also with the people of Israel.
A symbol of eternity that transcends France's borders
The meaning attributed to the fleur-de-lis varies from one culture to another. The Egyptians and Greeks attributed a form of divine power to it, associating it with the concepts of the afterlife and eternity.
In Latin America—and more specifically in Aztec culture—the lily represents the sacred feminine, which is perfectly embodied by a bright red variety of lily native to Mexico: Sprekelia formosissima.
Sessile's take on the meaning of the fleur-de-lis
From May through the start of the school year in September, the artisan florists in the Sessile.fr network offer bouquets of lilies in subtle hues and with an intoxicating fragrance. In contrast, big-box stores display pre-arranged bouquets of lilies in their aisles at more affordable prices.
While it may be tempting to be swayed by the enticing offers from the retail giants, choosing a bouquet of lilies designed and arranged by your local florist offers you an unquestionable guarantee of quality and longevity. But enough of this long-winded talk—let’s conclude this article dedicated to the king of flowers with this eloquent Chinese proverb:“Wise is the man who, having two loaves of bread, sells one to buy a lily.”
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.