Lilies and symbolism

Lily is a flower which has long history and tradition and immense significance. It is closely related to feminine attributes such as motherhood, fertility, sexuality and love. It has its special place in Greek and Roman mythology and in Christian belief, too. In Greek mythology it is related to Hera, wife of Zeus, the god of gods. She was the protector of motherhood and fertility and this flower is directly associated with her and her role. When it comes to Romans, lily was the flower of the goddess Venus and it is believed she envied them for their beauty. Her role is very similar to the one Hera had, including sexuality, beauty, love and desire. In Christian religion the white lily is the most cherished one and it represents innocence and chastity; the attributes closely connected to Virgin Mary.

Besides already mentioned white ones, lilies come in various colors: red, orange, pink, yellow. Every color has its symbolism, so red lilies represent love and passion, pink infatuation with someone, yellow joy and happiness, but they are perhaps the least popular ones because they also represent jealousy and the orange ones are given to someone you honor and admire to and who gives you great joy.

In my yard, there are orange lilies. They are so beautiful one cannot but notice them. Here are a few pictures I took.

I played a bit, this is some colorless species :)