Flower of the Week

Origin

Most lilies originated in parts of the northern hemisphere, including Taiwan, Japan, China, North America, the Middle East and the Balkans. Today, The Netherlands is the world's biggest producer of lilies for the flower trade, followed by France, Chile and the United States.

Lilies are among the oldest known cultivated plants in the world. Images of lilies have been found in ancient Minoan frescoes dating back to 1580 B.C on the island of Crete. Bulbs of the Madonna lily flower were used to make ointments in Anatolia in the 2nd millennium. The ancient Romans and Greeks also enjoyed growing the lily for medicinal purposes, and of course had their respective myths about the flower's origins.

There are about 80 to 100 natural or wild lily species under the umbrella of the Liliaceae family. These include Lilium candidum (the Madonna lily), Lilium longiflorum (Easter lilies), Lilium regale (the regal or royal lily), and Lilium lanciflorum (tiger lilies, though this name is applied to several other lily types).

Symbolic Meanings

The lily flower is known for being dainty, delicate and graceful in its appearance. It comes in a lovely array of colours, and some varieties have a scent like no other.Lilies are among the world's most popular cut flower varieties.

Lily symbolism has always been associated with purity, chastity, rebirth, hope, and the Virgin Mary. They also signify how Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day after he was crucified.

Many also believe that white lilies grew in the Garden of Eden, after Eve cried tears of remorse. Since she betrayed the words of God and offered Adam the apple, this would represent irony, as they were banished from the garden.

According to Greek mythology and tales of Zeus and his wife Hera, the lily became Hera’s flower. In Roman mythology, Venus—the Goddess of beauty, love, and desire—envied the purity of this flower to such an extent that she cursed the lily flower’s.

Types of Lillies

- The orange lily flower has warm tones that imply excitement, honesty, honour, and respect.

- The white or cream lily flower is symbolic of modesty, commitment, and purity, but is often given to show sympathy as well as feelings of rebirth. White lilies feature prominently in many sympathy and condolence bouquets.

- The red lily is vibrant and passionate with its fiery petals. If you harbour deep, powerful, romantic feelings for someone, this is the flower to give them and to show the dedication of your heart.

- Purple lilies are a great symbol of success, pride, and accomplishment, as well as royalty and privilege.

- The pretty pink lily is beautiful for showing how much you admire someone or are infatuated with them.

- The yellow lily is as bright and cheerful as sunlight, and often is gifted to show cheerful support, thankfulness, and friendship.

- Black lily symbolism is particularly interesting. Black flowers are rare, and black lilies are no exception. Black flowers are usually a very, very deep shade of purple or red rather than true black, and always have an air of mystery and elegance and power about them.