Origin of the lily
Lilies are not only varied in terms of colour, shape and size, but also in where they come from. You can find them growing wild in Korea, Japan and parts of Siberia, but also close to the equator in India. In Europe the lily is native to the Caucasus, the Balkans, Greece, Poland, the Alps and Pyrenees. It also grows wild in most American states, with the exception of the south-west part of the United States.
The lily’s colours and shapes
Their tall stems adorned with multiple flowers create a striking display in various colours, shapes and sizes, whether as a mono bouquet, or mixed with other flowers. From serene white and calm pink to dramatic red, yellow, purple and orange and with stripes, fringes or spots. There are single and double flowered lilies, and even varieties without pollen, ideal for cat owners, hay fever sufferers and for people with all-white interiors. The flowers can have a diameter ranging from 7cm up to an astonishing 25 centimetres. Some also have very stretched calyxes.
Lily symbolism
Lilies really are packed with symbolism. The most important symbolic meanings are:
- Femininity. In Greek and Roman times brides were given a crown of lilies in the hope of a pure and fruitful life.
- Love. In Victorian days receiving a sweet-scented lily told you: this is my beloved.
- Purity. White lilies are often used at weddings as a symbol of virginity and purity.
- Transience. The serene and pure appearance of the lily expresses emotions at times of loss and mourning.
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