Lilies
Just like roses and tulips, lilies have recently receivedgreat acclaim. Theirbreathtaking flowersandintense fragrancerank them among thequeens of flowers|| |302. Thanks to their worldwide availability, they come in various colors, shapes, and sizes.
For what occasion are lilies suitable?
The use of lilies knows no bounds; they are suitable as agift for mom in the form of bulbs for the garden or as an important floraldecorative element for a wedding, symbolizing the bride's innocence, much like the white color of her dress. Lilies are also tied intofuneral bouquets, as they can be a respectful way to say a dignified goodbye to loved ones.
You can give them forbirthdays, on Valentine's Day, forInternational Women's Day, or just to brighten someone's day. Nowadays, lilies are most often associated with long-term marriages, where they express a couple's true enduring love. Therefore, lilies are popular in anniversary bouquets. So if you're still hesitating about which flower to choose for this occasion, lilies will certainly be a great choice.
If you are looking for a flower tobrighten up your home , lilies will surely bring joy to you as well. Simply put, whether you give them to anyone for any occasion, lilies are sure to bring an unforgettable smile to their face forevery occasion.
What to combine lilies with?
We asked our florists about their favorite combinations:
Martina from Arkády Pankrác, Prague: “I like to tie lilies alone or with some lighter greenery, such as eucalyptus or beargrass. In my opinion, they are striking on their own and once they bloom, other flowers can easily fade next to them.”
Katka from Metropole Zličín, Prague: “Lilies are suitable for any occasion. Personally, I associate them more with funeral arrangements. Besides funeral wreaths and sprayed bouquets, lilies are also a grand flower suitable for weddings, for example, cascading bouquets of white lilies, roses, complemented by ivy and gypsophila. One more tip: I cut out the stamens from the center of the flowers. This removes the irritating allergens but the intoxicating fragrance remains.”
Ludmila from Mercury, České Budějovice: “Lilies are exceptional not only for their appearance but also for their intense fragrance. I would recommend colorful ones combined with gerbera, lisianthus, delphinium, or limonium. Whites are beautiful in combination with other colorful flowers like spray roses, santini, or chrysanthemums.”
Lilies are featured in our elegant andluxurious bouquet | ||348Lily. Its centerpiece consists of three large royal lilies complemented by aster flowers, beargrass, and eucalyptus.
Where do lilies come from and what is their symbolic meaning?
As humanity, we still cannot answer the question of where lilies originally come from geographically. But we know that in Asia Minor, lilies were cultivated andbred as early as 2000 BC. Now they are found in the temperate and subtropical zonesall over the world.
Lilies symbolize purity, peace, dignity, virginity, immortality, fertility, harvest, chastity, innocence, but also guilt or faith.
In Egypt, Greece, and Rome, lilies were a symbol of fertility, hope, and future. The oldest depictionsof lilies are3600 years old. They include a Minoan fresco in Knossos, depicting Ariadne's throne decorated with lilies. There is also a seal cylinder from the 3rd century BC, showing a Sumerian ruler holding flowers.
InAsian cultures, lilies were commonly consumed and valued primarily for theirmedicinal properties . The same was true in Europe, where they have retained more of their Christian symbolism to this day.
Christians also saw thedark side of purity and virtue in lilies. In France, the flower was branded on the shoulder of prostitutes or adulterous women as a sign ofsin. In dream books, we read that“to see a lily” meansplatonic love. The white color even predicts that an innocent girl will be accused.“To pick a lily” means lost virginity. The flower is also associated withdeath.
Thanks to its beauty, the lily was popular with artists and used as a heraldic symbol by monarchs. The most famous of these is theheraldic symbol of the lily,the emblem of the French kings, which later spread to the flag of Quebec in Canada and the coat of arms of the Spanish kingdom. In the Czech Republic, it can be found, for example, on the coat of arms of Litomyšl.
Lilies change their meaning according to color, just like roses.
Although lilies themselves symbolize purity and exceptionality, like roses, their meaning changes according to color.
Red represents love and passion.
Whitesymbolizes purity, virtue, freshness, and nobility.
Yellowsymbolizes elegance, desire, eternity, and gratitude.
Pinkrepresents prosperity, abundance, and wealth.
Orange || |417represents enthusiasm.
Goldsymbolizes rebirth and life.
Purpledenotes death.
Lilies in Victorian floriography: How did people communicate using flowers?
White lily - I believe you are innocent .
Red lily - Do not crave wealth!
White lily - Modesty and innocence adorn you, it's wonderful to be with you.
Orange lily - Hatred.
Yellow lily - False beauty.
Gold lily - Passionate is my love for you.
Lilies can be used in other ways besides bouquets!
Due to their intense fragrance, lily flowers were used tofill pillowsor to makeoils. Nowadays, the flower is part of manyperfumes.
Although not many, lilies also havemedicinal properties. For burns, ulcers, or skin inflammations,lily oil, which has healing properties, is used. It also remains useful in the treatment of urological diseases, heart problems, or eye infections.
They are widely used in thecosmetic industry to combat | ||472dry skin. Lily extracts help soften the skin and contain many beneficial substances.
Images:
