With varieties ranging from the intoxicatingly fragrant stargazer lily to the stunningly simple elegance of the calla lily, the lily is a staple in floral shops the world over. Unlike many flowers that might have hundreds of species but only one or two known and used commonly, the lily has several species which are widely used, each of which come in almost all colours except for blue. The lily can be found, either on its own or in combination with other flowers, in bouquets and arrangements for virtually any occasion. This flower is also a popular gift on many holidays, such as Easter with the apt-named Easter lily, and for mothers on birthdays or for Mother’s Day.
The history and mythology that surrounds the lily is one of the more extensive, with the first known cultivation dating back over 5,000 years to the Sumerian culture in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley. This would appear to conflict with a rather charming origin myth of the lily from the Greco-Romans, who say that the lily grew from the milk of Hera which fell from the heavens as she was nursing Hercules, her son. As the white lily symbolizes purity and virginity, it soon became associated with Christianity as the sacred floral symbol for the Virgin Mary. Amusingly, when the lily was displayed in church during Victorian times, it was often with the stamen and pistils removed so as not to offend the church patrons. There are also legends about the lily from other ancient countries such as China and Japan. The daylily, so named because the blooms only last for one day, is a symbol of motherhood in China.
The fabulously versatile lily can make an appropriate gift for many occasions. The calla lily, signifying beauty, would be lovely in a bunch as a gift for a birthday or romantic occasion. As lilies are strongly associated with motherhood, they are often a popular choice of flower on Mother’s Day. It is also a common inclusion in bridal bouquets and arrangements, coming in many attractive shades to match many colour schemes. Pink lilies often find their way into bouquets or arrangements welcoming newborn girls into the world, and white lilies and white calla lilies are a beautiful and elegant inclusion in a sympathy or funeral piece. This elegant, fragrant flower would be a prized gift for any lucky recipient.
© Flowers Online.org.uk 2007.
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