Lily Flower Meaning: What Lilies Symbolize by Color

Lilies are some of the most elegant and symbolic flowers in the world. Their tall stems, trumpet or star-shaped blooms and rich scent have made them a favourite for weddings, Easter, sympathy flowers and grand arrangements for centuries. But the meaning of a lily changes with its colour and type, so it's worth knowing what your flowers say before you give them.

In this guide I'll explain what lilies symbolise, the meaning of lilies by colour and by type, their history in myth, religion and art, which occasions they suit, and how to style them safely at home.

The quick answer: lilies generally symbolise purity, renewal and devotion. White lilies represent purity, innocence and sympathy; pink lilies, admiration and love; red lilies, passion; yellow lilies, joy and friendship; orange lilies, confidence and energy; and purple lilies, dignity and admiration.

What Do Lilies Symbolize?

Across cultures, lilies are linked with:

• Purity and innocence, especially white lilies.
• Rebirth and renewal, because they rise from bulbs each year, which is why lilies are associated with Easter and spring.
• Devotion and commitment, making them popular in wedding flowers.
• Peace and remembrance, which is why white lilies are a traditional sympathy flower.
• Majesty and pride, thanks to their tall, statuesque form.

Lily Meaning by Color

White lilies

White lilies are the most symbolic of all. They stand for purity, innocence and a fresh start, which is why they appear in bridal bouquets and Easter displays. They also represent peace and the restoration of the soul, so they're one of the most common flowers at funerals.

Pink lilies

Pink lilies, especially the speckled stargazer, symbolise admiration, love and prosperity. They're a cheerful, romantic choice for birthdays, anniversaries and Mother's Day.

Red lilies

Red lilies stand for passion and deep love. They're a dramatic alternative to red roses for Valentine's Day or an anniversary.

Yellow lilies

Like many yellow flowers, yellow lilies represent joy, happiness, gratitude and friendship. They make a bright thank you or get well bouquet.

Orange lilies

Orange lilies symbolise confidence, energy, warmth and pride. Tiger lilies, with their dark spots and swept-back petals, are often associated with wealth and confidence.

Purple lilies

Purple and deep burgundy lilies suggest dignity, admiration and elegance. They look sophisticated in modern arrangements.

Lily Meaning by Type

True lilies vs "lilies": only plants in the genus Lilium are true lilies. Calla lilies, peace lilies, lily of the valley, water lilies and daylilies all borrow the name but belong to other plant families.

Lilies in Myth, Religion and Art

Greek myth. According to Greek mythology, lilies grew from drops of milk from Hera, queen of the gods, linking them with motherhood and divinity.

Christianity. The white Madonna lily became a symbol of the Virgin Mary's purity. In paintings of the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel is often shown holding a white lily, and the Easter lily is a symbol of the Resurrection.

The fleur-de-lis. The stylised lily of the fleur-de-lis became an emblem of the French monarchy and is still used in heraldry and design today.

China. In Chinese, the name for lily, bǎihé, echoes a traditional wedding wish for a hundred years of harmony, so lilies are a popular wedding flower.

Art. Lilies appear throughout Western art, and they're the stars of John Singer Sargent's Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (1885 to 1886). Tate's story of the painting describes how Sargent painted it outdoors in the brief evening light, sessions that "occupied but two or three minutes, the light rapidly declining." The painting now hangs at Tate Britain. For more flowers in art, explore the most famous flower paintings.

Lilies for Every Occasion

Lilies and Cats: An Important Warning

If you have a cat, keep lilies out of the house. The US Food and Drug Administration warns that "the entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase," and that eating even a small amount "can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days." Its warning about lilies and cats applies to true lilies and daylilies. If your cat has been near lilies and seems unwell, contact a vet straight away.

Styling Lilies at Home

• Remove the anthers. Gently pull off the pollen-covered anthers as the flowers open. It prevents stains on clothes, tablecloths and petals, and reduces pollen for cat owners.
• Choose the right room. Oriental lilies are strongly scented, so they're better in a hallway or a large living room than on a dining table or beside the bed.
• Buy them in bud. Lilies open over several days, so a bunch with plenty of closed buds lasts much longer.
• Keep them simple. A tall glass vase of one variety looks more elegant than a crowded mixed bunch.
• Change the water every couple of days and trim the stems.

Lilies are a wonderful summer flower. For other seasons, explore decorating with fresh flowers, and in winter, let amaryllis take the lily's place in your Christmas flower arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do lilies symbolize?

Lilies generally symbolise purity, renewal, devotion and peace. The exact meaning depends on the colour and type.

What does a white lily mean?

White lilies represent purity, innocence, peace and sympathy. They're used at weddings, at Easter and at funerals.

Why are lilies used at funerals?

White lilies symbolise peace and the restored innocence of the soul, so they're a traditional flower of remembrance and sympathy.

What does a pink lily mean?

Pink lilies, especially stargazers, symbolise admiration, love and prosperity.

What does a yellow lily mean?

Yellow lilies stand for joy, happiness, gratitude and friendship.

Are lilies a good gift?

Yes, for most occasions, but never give lilies to someone with a cat, because every part of the plant is highly toxic to cats.

Is a calla lily a real lily?

No. Calla lilies belong to a different plant family, although they share the lily's elegant reputation and are popular wedding flowers.

Elegant, Meaningful and Timeless

Lilies carry centuries of symbolism, from purity and renewal to love, joy and remembrance. Choose the colour and type that suit your message and occasion, remove the anthers, keep them well away from cats, and they'll bring elegance and scent to any room.

And if you'd like help bringing flowers, colour and style together in your home, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.