Name: Lilies
Latin Name: Lilium of plant family Liliaceae
Season: Mid to Late Summer
Meaning: Motherhood
Origins: Lilies come in many varieties and hybrids, with Asiatic and Oriental lilies being the most popular breeds. Because of this, the flowers can range in color, size (two to eight feet), and blooming months.
For thousands of years, the Madonna lily was used by Greek and Roman civilizations as a medicinal ointment. The beautiful flower could be ground into a paste with water to serve as a pain reliever and redness soother. The name lily itself comes from the Greek word “leiron,” used to refer to the white Madonna lily as a flower that came from the milk of goddess Hera.
While lilies include many varieties, water lilies and lilies-of-the-valley aren’t actually lilies at all and are just given the name since they somewhat resemble the wide, colorful flower.
Coming in a variety of bright colors such as red, yellow, and white, lilies make for great wedding decor. The stems are sturdy, so they can easily be displayed in vases or as centerpieces. Lilies can last up to two weeks in a vase of water without refrigeration, making them one of the freshest, longer lasting flowers used in decor.
Lilies are given as the 30th anniversary flower, symbolizing a familial bond. Lilies often represented sexuality and flirtation in ancient Greece, since the flower was associated with Hera, the queen of the Gods.
Be sure to check out the rest of our Flower Glossary for all your wedding flower needs.