The lily flower meaning depends on color, but overall lilies stand for purity, renewal and devotion. White lilies symbolize innocence and virtue, pink lilies symbolize prosperity and admiration, orange lilies symbolize passion and confidence, and yellow lilies symbolize gratitude and joy.
Few flowers have as long a symbolic history. Lilies appear in Greek myth, Christian art, French heraldry and countless weddings and funerals. Below you will find what each color means, where the symbolism comes from, and the safety point every pet owner should know before bringing lilies home.
Quick Answer: Lily Flower Meaning at a Glance
- General meaning: purity, renewal, devotion and commitment.
- White: innocence, virtue and sympathy.
- Pink: prosperity, admiration and womanhood.
- Orange: passion, confidence and energy.
- Yellow: gratitude and joy.
- Safety: true lilies are highly toxic to cats.
Lily Flower Meaning by Color
| Color | Modern meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White | Purity, virtue, peace | Weddings, sympathy |
| Pink | Prosperity, admiration, love | Birthdays, Mother’s Day |
| Red | Passion, deep love | Anniversaries |
| Orange | Confidence, passion, energy | Congratulations |
| Yellow | Gratitude, joy | Thank-you gifts, friendship |
| Purple | Admiration, royalty | Special achievements |
Victorian flower dictionaries sometimes gave darker meanings: orange lilies for pride or hatred, and yellow lilies for falsehood or gaiety. Most florists today use the warmer modern meanings, but if you are buying for someone steeped in flower language, white or pink are the safest picks.
White Lily Symbolism
White lilies are the most symbolic of all. In Christian art, the Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is tied to the Virgin Mary and purity, and the Easter lily stands for resurrection and hope. That is also why white lilies are a common funeral flower, carrying a message of the soul’s return to innocence, and why they are a favorite wedding flower.
Pink, Orange and Yellow Lilies
Pink lilies, including the fragrant stargazer, are linked with prosperity and abundance and are a popular gift for mothers and for celebrations. Orange lilies, such as the tiger lily, have a bold look that fits confidence and passion. Yellow lilies are friendly and bright, ideal for saying thank you.
History and Culture of the Lily
Greek myth says lilies sprang from the milk of the goddess Hera that fell to earth, tying the flower to motherhood and divine beauty. In ancient Rome and Crete, lilies were cultivated for beauty and for use in medicine and perfume. In medieval and later Europe, the stylized fleur-de-lis, often associated with the lily, became a royal emblem of France.
In China, lilies are linked with a happy marriage and many children, and lily bulbs appear in food and wedding traditions. In many cultures the flower reflects an ideal of grace and quiet strength.
Are Lilies Safe? A Warning for Cat Owners
True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are extremely dangerous to cats. Even a small amount of pollen, leaf or vase water can cause kidney failure, so contact a vet immediately if a cat has chewed one. The ASPCA lists several lilies on its toxic plants list. If you have cats, choose pet-safe flowers instead, or keep lilies strictly out of the home.
Lily Gift Ideas
- Pink stargazer lilies for a mother or a milestone birthday.
- White Oriental lilies for a wedding or a sympathy arrangement.
- Yellow Asiatic lilies as a thank-you.
- Lily bulbs for a gardener, to plant in autumn or spring.
How to Grow Lilies
- Choose a spot with six or more hours of sun, ideally with the roots shaded by low plants.
- Plant bulbs in autumn or early spring, about three times as deep as the bulb is tall.
- Use well-drained soil; lily bulbs rot in standing water.
- Stake tall varieties and deadhead spent flowers.
- Cut stems back only after the foliage turns yellow.
Many lilies are hardy in zones 3 to 9, but varieties differ, so check yours on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. For another popular summer flower related to lilies, see our guide to Alstroemeria.
If you enjoy flower symbolism, you may also like our guides to tulip color meanings, rose color meanings and the June birth flower.
Conclusion
The lily flower meaning is rooted in purity and renewal, with color adding the details: white for virtue, pink for prosperity, orange for passion and yellow for gratitude. Choose the shade that fits your message, and always check for cats before bringing lilies indoors.
FAQ
What does a lily flower symbolize?
A lily symbolizes purity, renewal and devotion, with specific meanings depending on color.
What do white lilies mean?
White lilies mean innocence, virtue and peace, which is why they appear at both weddings and funerals.
What do pink lilies mean?
Pink lilies mean prosperity, admiration and womanhood, and they are a favorite for birthdays and Mother’s Day.
Are lilies a good funeral flower?
Yes. White lilies in particular symbolize the soul’s return to innocence and are a traditional sympathy flower.
Are lilies poisonous to cats?
Yes. True lilies and daylilies can cause fatal kidney failure in cats, even from small exposures. Seek veterinary help right away.
