Semantics of lilies in Christian art: historical perspective

In Ancient Greece, the lily was considered the ancestor of all flowers in the world. As a plant, it is surprising in that different peoples have contradictory associations and traditions associated with it. Therefore, it is important to know what lily means in order to understand its relevance in the composition.

Superstitious people are wary of such a flower

What does it mean in the language of flowers?

In the language of flowers, the interpretation sounds as follows - purity, purity and happiness.

In China, the ancient tradition of presenting a bouquet to newlyweds has been preserved. In the Celestial Empire, the lily is endowed with spirituality and fortitude.

The name of the plant is consonant with the beginning of the phrase about wishes for a happy life together for several decades.

Often, a composition of such white flowers is presented to support people who have lost loved ones - according to one of the beliefs, the plant helps to survive mental pain.

Before choosing a bouquet, you need to find out what the lily flower means. Thus, it is generally accepted that the plant personifies majesty with glory. Thus, as a gift it can be presented to a person who arouses admiration.

Fans, wanting to express their admiration, often give their favorite artists bouquets of such buds.

The white color of the plant has contradictory meanings

Healing properties of lily

Lily also has a whole range of healing properties. Its composition has been little studied, but it is known that lily flowers contain vitamin C, often called “sun vitamin” for its beneficial properties, alkaloids with strong analgesic properties, iron and boron, proteins and tannins.

The mystical symbol of purity of the lily is also close to its healing effect. A decoction of dried flowers and leaves of this plant is used for various procedures for cleansing the skin, healing wounds, and cleansing the body. As a medicine, infusions and decoctions of lilies are used in the treatment of a number of skin diseases, from simple juvenile acne to lichen and eczema. Wash open wounds, abscesses, ulcers and boils with the infusion. Lily promotes the removal of pus from wounds and their speedy healing.

Medicines based on lily raw materials are used to treat colds such as sore throat and bronchitis. Infusions on the leaves of this plant thin mucus, promote expectoration, and also have an antiseptic effect and relieve inflammation.

Lily stops bleeding. And both external and internal. Healers in Rus' gave lily infusions to women in labor to stop intrauterine bleeding. Medicine is prepared from lily bulbs for the treatment of cancer. The tubers are crushed, poured with alcohol and infused for two weeks in a dark place. Then take the infusion one teaspoon three times a day.

Depending on the variety and quantity

The symbolic meaning varies depending on the type, color, as well as quantity.

Depending on the variety:

• With the help of Asian hybrids, which are forced out more often than others, you can convey your respect and worship to a person. If a woman receives such flowers from a man as a gift, this can be regarded as an attempt to convey only one truth - he fully belongs only to her.
• The snow-white buds of candidum mean respect. They are best presented to older people.
• The Apollo variety symbolizes harmony. Married men present it, wanting to emphasize that the family and, above all, the spouse come first for them.
• American hybrids mean frivolity. Men often give them to girls they want to seduce.

It is better not to use the plant in tandem with a rose.
Numerical value of lilies:

• One bud means “you are my only one.”
• Three lilies are presented as a sign of expressing warm and friendly feelings. Such a trio symbolizes a person’s readiness to help in any situation.
• Five flowers are a bouquet that screams love. If a man presents such a composition to a woman, it means he wants to express his ardent feelings and readiness to win the favor of his beloved.
• When a man gives a composition of seven buds, this should be regarded as a marriage proposal.
• But a bouquet of nine buds means a transition to partnership, that is, strong relationships in one field of activity.
• Eleven lilies are usually given as a gift for a wedding anniversary, as they symbolize a strong marriage, health and longevity.
• A bouquet of thirteen flowers symbolizes the giver's resentment. By presenting such a gift, he expresses dissatisfaction and makes the person think about how he offended him.
• The number fifteen is considered the limit. It speaks of deep affection.

Of course, you can give a bouquet with a large number of plants, but a huge composition can only be called a spectacular gesture that does not carry a semantic load.

When composing a composition, every detail matters, right down to the packaging film

A noble plant that managed to conquer humanity

The flower acquired the name “lily” thanks to its dazzling white flowers (which, translated from ancient Gaulish, mean “li-li”, that is, “white-white”). Under natural conditions, the flowers have a slightly pinkish or even yellowish tint. This royal plant has a rich history, because the following sources are the first to tell about the lily:

• myths of the ancient Greeks, in which she is patronized by the deities Zeus with Hera and Aphrodite;
• coats of arms of the rulers of France (their lily symbolized the ruling dynasty);
• medieval painting, in particular, images of famous ladies;
• creations with religious themes - saints usually hold a lily flower in their hands.

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Since ancient times, the lily flower has been personified with innocence and pristineness. It is for this reason that her image can be seen in the hands of the Holy Virgin Mary or Archangel Gabriel.

According to one beautiful German belief, together with a snow-white lily, an elf is born who lives in this plant. During the daytime, he sleeps peacefully in the cup of the flower, and at night, he rocks it, so the lily rings very pleasantly and gently at night.

Another symbolic characteristic of lily flowers is majesty with glory. Therefore, it becomes clear that previously the lily was used as the main decorative element of palaces.

The ancient Romans associated the lily with material luxury, wealth, and success, so with its help rich people decorated not only their homes, but also items of clothing, as well as chariots.

The meaning of color and shades

You should choose colors wisely, as each has its own meaning. To avoid getting into trouble, you need to study what a lily means before making your final choice.

White

So, what do white lilies mean - purity of the soul, holiness and the divine.

By the way, it is believed that if a man presents such a bouquet to a woman, he hints that he is ready to have a child with her.

According to the language of flowers, this composition palette is not suitable for older women.

Yellow

The yellow tint is associated with slight intrigue. It means that the giver is interested in attention and wants to take the relationship to a new level.

Due to the pungent odor, it is not recommended to leave the composition overnight in an unventilated area, as you may wake up with a headache in the morning.

Pink

This palette is very predictable, so it’s not difficult to guess what this flower means: pink lily - a romantic mood, an expression of tenderness towards a person.

This is an excellent sign of attention to a young girl or an already grown woman, as it conveys the warmth and affection of the giver.

It is not customary to give white buds to adult women.

Red

A bouquet of red buds looks active and carries a strong energy boost.

However, given the designation of the lily flower, the composition of the red palette should not be presented often.

Orange

Such flowers look bright and optimistic. They are usually called a symbol of health and longevity.

They are best suited as a sign of attention to a person who has recently been ill, as it charges them with motivation.

Japan is a country where the orange flower is regarded as revenge. In general, the Japanese language of flowers has significant differences from the generally accepted one.

Lily flower meaning

This plant is often mentioned in history, ancient legends, and religious symbolism. His fate in different countries developed differently, so there is no general interpretation of the meaning. In Russia, lily means innocence, in Europe - sadness, in the East - joy. There are other interpretations. The culture was previously as widespread as roses and was used in various rituals and ceremonies.

The most common meanings of lily in the language of flowers:

• purity;
• purity;
• happiness;
• passion;
• strength of mind;
• luxury;
• sophistication;
• ease;
• motherhood;
• memory.

From an esoteric point of view, culture means growth, freedom, progress, development. Additional information and a more accurate interpretation of a flower can be obtained by taking into account the accompanying characteristics.

The interpretation is influenced by the color of the petals, the number of lilies in the bouquet, species and varietal affiliation. You should also pay attention to who gives it to whom, under what circumstances, with what wishes.

In ancient times, the lily was used together with the rose at flower festivals. In most cases it has a positive meaning, but there are exceptions. Thus, a tattoo on the shoulder in the Renaissance meant a stigma for a woman of easy virtue.

Today, such a tradition has not been preserved; the lily is chosen as a sketch to emphasize grace, tenderness, beauty and nobility. The color of the petals also matters: light colors represent purity and daytime, dark shades represent passion and night.

Depending on the color

This is one of the main factors when determining the meaning of a plant in the language of flowers. Some varieties are variegated in color. If there is no exact meaning, it is permissible to combine interpretations of all basic shades.

The meaning of a flower depending on the color of the petals:

• red - passion, strong feelings, desire to possess others without reserve;
• pink – romance, tenderness, sophistication;
• white lilies - purity of soul, holiness, justice, fairness, compassion;
• whitish-pink - a desire to support in difficult times;
• yellow - an indicator that it is calm and warm to be with a person, used as a sign of gratitude, on the other hand, they symbolize treason and betrayal;
• orange - tenderness, wishes for health and longevity;
• brindle - nobility, ambition, power;
• blue – seriousness of intentions;
• purple - love.

Depending on the variety and quantity

When composing a bouquet, you need to consider how many flowers it will include.

In Russia, odd numbers are used for gift options, and even numbers should be used when attending funerals and wakes. In Europe, this tradition is carried out exactly the opposite.

The meaning of lily flowers depending on the variety:

• Asian hybrids - convey worship on the part of the giver, belonging to one’s other half (if the bouquet was given by a lover);
• candidum - respect, the snow-white variety is often presented to older people for an anniversary or anniversary;
• Apollo lily - harmony, a symbol of the fact that a man puts his family first;
• American hybrids are frivolous, suitable for a woman whom a man wants to seduce.

Symbolism in culture

The symbol first appeared on the shield of Louis VII. The badge was borrowed from the English throne as a demonstration of claims to the French crown. It began to be used to emphasize status, nobility and valor.

So, what does the lily mean in culture? The flower has a rather contradictory meaning.

This is confirmed by the fact that later it began to be used as a stigma for criminals - it was believed that the plant helps cleanse the soul and body from bad thoughts. It was placed on the shoulder. As a result, the bud became associated with theft and a dissolute lifestyle.

Plants have a strong aroma, so leaving them overnight in an unventilated area is highly undesirable.

In Christianity

In the Middle Ages, the lily was a symbol of the Annunciation.

• Since the Renaissance, the Archangel Gabriel has invariably been depicted with a lily in his hand.
• More often the plant is used as a flower of the Virgin Mary. Its stem symbolizes her intelligence, its petals represent her modesty, and its fragrance symbolizes her divinity.
• The plant is also the flower of Saints Catherine of Siena, Clara and Euphemia.

By the way, the lily often appears in scenes with Christ. So, if he hands over a bud, this is considered a symbol of mercy, and if he appears in the image not only with it, but also with a sword, this means guilt and innocence.

As a symbol of the Trinity it means Faith, Hope and Charity.

In heraldry

The lily is a natural non-heraldic figure that has become common in territorial and tribal heraldry. She represents purity and righteousness.

This is the second most commonly used flower in heraldry. It is second only to the rose. As for the stylized lily, it adorned the Franz coat of arms during the monarchy.

A tattoo depicting a lily is considered one of the most popular

Benefits of lily

The plant can be used to cleanse a room of negative vibrations and magical energy. To do this, you need to place a pot or bouquet of lilies on the windowsill. To attract joy and harmony, a flower must be planted in a flower bed. Bouquets with lilies are given to people who have suffered severe life shocks, as they can reduce stress and pain. A dry flower serves as a talisman and protects its owner from negative emotions, magical influences and self-destructive thoughts. In folk medicine, a decoction or infusion of this plant is used to treat long-term non-healing wounds and inflammatory-allergic skin diseases.

Why do they give it?

As a gift, these flowers can be given for any occasion. Most often they are presented to young girls or older people who occupy a high position.

The best occasion is to celebrate a birthday, wedding anniversary or housewarming.

The plant is suitable not only for women, but also for men. But in order to emphasize your intentions, it is important to choose the right color of the petals, combination with other colors and the design of the bouquet as a whole.

In Europe, the plant is often used at funerals, as a symbol of purity and respect. They are used to decorate tombstones and are included in the design of funeral wreaths. It is customary to bring a plant when visiting a cemetery.

Korea is a country where it is believed that this white plant is a symbol of death.

Use in folk medicine

The use of such flowers is part of infertility therapy.
Lily helps a person cope with diseases or pathological conditions such as:

• long-term non-healing wounds or ulcers;
• boils;
• metabolic disease;
• dermatitis;
• autoimmune damage to the epidermis;
• oncology;
• infertility;
• bleeding;
• bronchitis;
• tuberculous damage to the lungs and other organs;
• cold;
• inflammation of the urinary tract;
• bacterial or fungal infection.

Lily was given to women in labor during uterine bleeding.

The flower is used in the form of an alcoholic infusion or decoction. The roots and flowers of this plant are medicinal. It should be collected during flowering, as at this time it contains the greatest amount of substances beneficial to the human body. More often, lily is used for external use in the form of lotions or baths for purulent-inflammatory skin diseases. It heals eczema, lichen and acne.

Signs about flowers in a bride's bouquet

According to the superstition, if the groom gives the bride a bouquet containing lilies at a wedding, it means he promises to be faithful to her.

If the composition is given to the newlyweds at their wedding by their parents, it should be regarded as a sign of blessing.

A bouquet given by guests is regarded exclusively as a pleasant present and a wish of happiness.

In bouquets, the lily is considered an accent spot and is placed in the middle part.

Antiquity

The main attribute of the Minoan goddess Britomartis.

The white lily is the flower of Hera, which arose, like the Milky Way, from drops of her milk. The wedding bed of Zeus and Hera is covered with lilies. The white lily is revered by the Romans as the flower of Juno and an emblem of hope. As a sign of virginity, the lily belongs to Diana.

At the same time, it serves as an attribute of Aphrodite (Venus), who, according to one legend, gave the flower (branded?) a resemblance to the phallus of a donkey, which connects the flower with erotic, carnal love and marriage.

White lilies are also woven into the cloak of Olympian Zeus and into the hair of the muses. The latter is also associated with the Levantine, Indian aroma (honey and pepper) - it is generally believed that it particularly promotes emotional impulses and imagination.

Hades kidnaps Persephone while she is gathering lilies and violets.[2]

Combination with other colors

Due to the beauty of the buds, when composing compositions with other plants, the emphasis is on it. Other flowers are used exclusively to create a background, and also as an accent on the central part of the bouquet.

Before composing a composition, it is important to study what the lily flower means and select plants for it that are similar in meaning.

Combination with a rose is not the best option. However, with skillful combination you can get a good result.

Look beautiful with the following plants:

• chrysanthemums;
• daisies;
• peonies;
• phlox;
• orchids;
• irises;
• bells;
• bush carnation.

Feng Shui meaning

Eastern philosophy gives several interpretations to this plant. Lilies, according to Feng Shui, symbolize love, purity and innocence; when positioned correctly, they attract abundance and wealth into the home.

It is recommended to place a flower pot or vase with lilies in the southeastern sector of the house. The same rule applies to paintings that depict these flowers. It is important to pay attention to the color scheme of the petals.

Signs associated with lilies

White lilies are excellent for a bouquet for a young girl, according to flower shop consultants and professional flower growers. That is why these plants are often included in wedding bouquets.

They symbolize the innocence of the newlywed

These colors combine amazing beauty: they are luxurious and at the same time quite simple. An elegant lily can decorate any hairstyle or even the outfit of your beloved girl. Therefore, it is quite possible to give girls lilies in a bouquet or just one flower at a time.

There are many other positive signs associated with them.

• It is believed that a person who has them in his home or garden will certainly achieve material well-being and success.
• If a girl cannot get a fan, she should definitely grow a lily. A happy married life will await her.
• Even in ancient times, Slavic peoples decorated women's clothing with embroidered lilies. She was considered a talisman of women's health , guaranteed fertility and protected from the evil eye.
• In addition, the flower is considered a symbol of St. Mary. Therefore, in medieval times, harlots were branded with this flower. This sign was supposed to cleanse their sinful soul. Perhaps that is why the flower is a sad symbol in European countries. Then they began to use it for mourning wreaths and when laying them on graves.

Nowadays, many girls get tattoos in the form of a lily flower. In their opinion, a tattoo should emphasize inner attractiveness and femininity.

Lily tattoo

Is there a danger from the flower to your home?

As we have already found out, in terms of energy, eucharis is extremely favorable for the home. What could be the danger? The thing is that the sap of the plant is poisonous and very toxic to pets . The alkaloid lycorin, contained in all parts of the plant, affects the vomiting center of the brain and causes poisoning of varying degrees of severity.

Symptoms of poisoning

Signs of lycorin poisoning are as follows:

• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Painful sensations in the abdominal area.
• Cramps.
• Tremor.
• Copious secretion of saliva.
• Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Refusal of food.
• Development or exacerbation of hepatitis.
• Depressive state.
• Paralysis.

Licorin does not directly reduce blood pressure, but fatal cases of animal poisoning most often occur precisely against the background of a general collapse caused by a critical decrease in the volume of circulating blood in the body.

Is Eucharis poisonous or not for humans? Yes, it is poisonous, but due to the fact that humans are larger than domestic animals, the concentration of the toxic substance in the blood is lower, and accordingly, poisoning is more easily tolerated.

It is important to exclude the possibility of small children eating the plant.

What to do if you are poisoned by a plant?

1. It is necessary to ensure plenty of fluids. There is a high probability that you will have to force the patient to drink. The main thing is to prevent dehydration and a reduction in the volume of blood circulating in the body.
2. To absorb poison, give the animal adsorbents: activated carbon, chalk, milk.
3. Take the victim to a doctor immediately. Only a specialist can carry out procedures that reduce the concentration of poison in the blood and prescribe an antidote.

Precautionary measures

usually occurs when the flower bulb is accidentally confused with an onion . Therefore, planting material and bulbs of adult plants should be stored separately from food and out of the reach of small children and pets.

In addition, after removing faded peduncles, replanting the plant and other manipulations during which contact with plant sap is possible, it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

It should be noted that in skillful hands, the poison of the Amazon lily turns into medicine . For example, the leaves of the flower are used to relieve spasms and convulsions, and local hunters use the juice of the plant to pickle arrows. Therefore, if you follow simple precautions, eucharis will not cause you any trouble, but, on the contrary, will become a reliable protector of your home.

Interesting things about lily flowers

Enchanting with its attractiveness, the lily has a rich history. Few people know that this magnificent plant used to decorate portraits of famous girls of the Middle Ages.

Ancient Greek myths associated lilies with Hera, Zeus and Aphrodite. Their beauty was highly valued by the gods, and these flowers were only allowed to be given to high-ranking officials.

A lily flower will look equally good both in the form of a bouquet and standing in a pot on the window. Lilies are real guardians of family happiness; they will delight your eyes every day and fill your home with a festive atmosphere.

Lilies as a gift: subtleties of choice

Lilies are excellent flowers with a unique, long-lasting aroma. In flower shops they are presented in a varied palette and design.

How to choose a bouquet of lilies for a gift:

1. Flowers must be freshly picked, without dried or fading petals. Fresh lilies will last at home for more than 1.5 weeks.
2. The leaves of the plant should be the same color, without dried areas or rusty spots.
3. You can determine the freshness of lilies by the pollen on the stamens. A clear sign of a flower being stale is the rich orange color of pollen or its spillage onto the petals of the bud.
4. Choose a bouquet, taking into account the solemnity of the moment of delivery and the individual characteristics of the person to whom you plan to give these flowers - his age, character, your interpersonal relationship with him. The color of the buds is also selected based on these parameters.

Lilies have a persistent, characteristic aroma, so they are not recommended for gifting to people who cannot tolerate strong odors or suffer from frequent headaches, asthma and allergies.