White Lilies: Meaning, Symbolism, and Proper Occasions

Lilies (Lilium candidum) are a gorgeous and popular flower with elegant blooms and multi-purpose uses. Whether planted in gardens or included in wedding bouquets, this flower is sure to impress. The white lily is arguably the most captivating of all lilies, which symbolizes rebirth, purity, and hope. 

The white lily represents new beginnings and resurrection in various cultures and religions. For example, Christians, in particular, associate these flowers with Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They also bloomed as a sign of fertility for pagans and are referenced in various stories throughout the Bible. Many believe white lilies grew from where Jesus’s blood dripped from his place on the cross. Others see the blossoms as the floral embodiment of the Virgin Mary. 

The first representation of this flower dates back to around 1580 BC when it was first pictured in Crete, an island in Greece. To this day, Greek brides still wear a crown of white lilies to embody purity and abundance.

Today, many view lilies as a sympathy flower, sending bouquets to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. The pure white petals offer calming and healing energy to recipients.

There are 24 types of white lilies, but most have recurved petals that are milky white in color with an undertone of gentle blues and grays, as well as bright yellow anthers. 

This flower has many meanings since it is a powerful symbol across various cultures and religions. Here’s what white lilies symbolize and some special occasions you can use them for. 

What Is a White Lily?

The perennial-blooming white lily is often known as the Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum), but many different types of lilies are white in color. These flowers bring the promise of summer, often growing during late spring and blossoming in midsummer. Potted white lilies can thrive indoors or outdoors, as they’re relatively low-maintenance and just require sunlight and moist soil. Indoors especially, they give off a sweet fragrance that can charm the entire room. 

Appearance

Lilies are an easily identifiable flower species, which their curved petals giving them a trumpet-like shape. The white lily has a milky white outside appearance and a pale yellow inner inside. These flowers make the perfect centerpieces, bouquets, and garden plants, as they boast a unique appearance when compared to other flowers.

Depending on the type of lily, they can reach up to 6 feet tall with flowers up to 8 inches. The number of blossoms on each stem is about three to five.

Native Habitat

The white lily is part of the true lily family of Lilium candidum and is native to the Balkans and Middle East. However, the flower has also become popular and naturalized across Europe in countries like Ukraine, France, Italy, and Greece, as well as in Mexico, North Africa, the Canary Islands, and other regions.

Growing Tips

Lilies are easy plants to grow and maintain and do their best when planted during autumn and spring. To grow white lilies, you’d plant their bulbs about an inch deep in moist soil in groups of three to five bulbs and space them 8 to 12 inches apart. This will ensure they’re not overlapping and have room to fill your garden. The best soil is well-draining, light, and loamy with a 6.0 pH, but these plants aren’t too picky, so don’t fret if the soil pH isn’t exact.

For the most part, white lilies will thrive in full sun, but they can also do well in part sun, part shade, and even light shade. The flowers will typically emerge during late spring and blossom throughout summer. 

White lilies prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but some can withstand up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in especially humid environments and, though they can tolerate lower temperatures, are vulnerable to frost. 

If you want your lilies to grow the most beautiful and healthy white petals, you’ll want to use the appropriate fertilizer. The best kind for white lilies is a high-potassium liquid fertilizer, which you should apply two to three times throughout the growing season or roughly every six weeks. Don’t over-fertilize, as this could cause yellowing leaves, brown tips, or drooping flowers.

Can White Lilies Be Grown Outside?

Yes, you can grow white lilies outside. With the right garden soil, sunlight, temperature, and fertilizer, white lilies can make the perfect addition to your outdoor garden. In fact, these plants are relatively durable and low-maintenance, so they won’t require as much care as other flowers. While they prefer mild temperatures and weather conditions, so long as they aren’t covered in frost or scorched by 100-degree weather, they shouldn’t have much of an issue thriving outdoors. 

White Lily Meaning and Symbolism

The white lily is a sacred flower in many cultures, symbolizing grace, rebirth, purity, and abundance. Various religions associate the flower with different religious figures, such as the Virgin Mary for Christians and the Greek Goddess Hera, who represents fertility in ancient Greece. Read on to learn more about white lilies’ specific meanings and symbolism.

Rebirth and Fertility

Especially in Greek mythology, white lilies represent rebirth and fertility. The flower is often associated with Hera, the patron goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth. In the story of Zeus and Hera, Zeus wanted baby Hercules to drink Hera’s milk to gain godlike qualities. Many legends say white lilies grew from a single drop of Hera’s divine breastmilk, giving the flower its milky-white blossoms.

Purity and Innocence 

The color white, in general, often symbolizes purity and innocence. This is why women tend to wear white dresses on their wedding day, as the day marks the end of their “girlhood.” White lilies are popular wedding flowers as well.

According to the Bible, the Virgin Mary embodies the same energy as white lilies, signifying virginity and pure radiance. Additionally, the Chinese and the Greeks also connect the white lily to purity — especially feminine virtue. 

Hope and Resurrection

In the Bible, white lilies are known as the Easter flower in Christianity, symbolizing Jesus Christ’s resurrection after dying from the crucifixion on the cross. This goes hand-in-hand with the idea of rebirth, but it also highlights renewal and hope for a brighter future with less pain. This is why many will bring white lilies to funerals or send them as sympathy bouquets to offer condolences and support.

Good Fortune and Abundance

In Chinese cultures, white lilies represent good luck and celebration. It makes sense why many use these stunning flowers for weddings, as they’re perfect for celebrating deep connection and abundance in your life. They symbolize long-lasting love and happy marriage.

Femininity and Motherhood

White lilies are directly connected to the divine feminine. They embody the power of motherhood and are often used to express gratitude for mothers. As mentioned earlier, the white lily is closely tied to the Greek Goddess Hera, who was the symbol of lawful marriage and childbirth and was known to protect mothers from possible complications of birth and delivery. 

Spiritual Significance

White lilies are one of the most spiritual flowers. Spiritually, white is associated with the crown chakra, which is located at the top of your head and is the seventh energy center in the chakra system. This chakra is the highest point of your body and connects your physical body to the spiritual realm, acting as a bridge between both worlds. 

When you grow lilies after a long and dormant winter, their bulbs will eventually emerge from the ground and blossom into beautiful plants with gorgeous flowers. This is why they signify rebirth, renewal, fresh starts, new beginnings, and hope. 

White Lily Proper Occasions

White lilies are adored by various cultures and religions and used for many different events, from happy celebrations to times of grief and loss. These versatile flowers are well-suited for many special occasions with their elegant appearance and aromatic blossoms. Here are a few of the most popular holidays or events for white lilies.

Weddings

White lilies are common wedding flowers, as they symbolize the purity of girlhood, spark the hope of new beginnings, and embody lasting love. Due to their elegant white color and simple design, these flowers are perfect for bridal bouquets, bridesmaid arrangements, and reception centerpieces, cultivating a gorgeous and tasteful atmosphere for a special day.

Anniversaries

As mentioned above, white lilies typically represent long-lasting love, deep romance, and healthy marriage. Gifting your partner a bouquet of white lilies for your anniversary — whether you’re just a year into dating or have been married for over a decade — is the perfect way to express your love and adoration. When celebrating something as special as love and commitment, you can’t go wrong with intimate, fragrant white lilies. 

Easter

Known as the Eater lily, white lilies are associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is why many communities will deck their churches with the white flower during Easter time. Additionally, when hosting Easter Sunday at their homes, families might purchase a bouquet for the table to create a bright and cheery atmosphere — just in time for spring!

Mother’s Day

Mothers are known to be selfless protectors, gentle supporters, and natural nurturers who provide for their children. On Mother’s Day, families gather to express their gratitude for all the mothers who devote their love to their families. Gifting white lilies to the mothers in your life is the perfect way to show your appreciation for them. This flower embodies the very essence of motherhood, with an aura of purity, lasting love, and protection. It doesn’t hurt that they also boast gorgeous blossoms! A bouquet of white lilies is a great Mother’s Day present.

Funerals and Memorials

Losing a loved one can make you feel like all hope is lost. When experiencing grief, many will battle dark emotions and even periods of depression and despair. White lilies, on the other hand, embody the exact opposite energy: hope, love, and support. This is why many people will send these flowers as sympathy flowers. They’re a great way to offer their condolences for lost love or the death of a family member.

Additionally, many people will fill the funeral home or church with white lilies before their service to commemorate the lasting love they have for the deceased individual. While it might be a difficult time, the white lilies remind us that every ending carries a new beginning.