Background
Lilies are an ancient symbol found in many cultures, from ancient Egypt to Christianity. According to Christianity, lilies represent holiness and purity, and are often used as a symbol for the Virgin Mary. The Bible is seen as a source of inspiration for the lily’s symbolism and meaning in Christianity. While lilies do not appear by name in the Bible, they are referenced in a number of different ways.
In The Old Testament
In Song of Solomon 2:1-2 the beloved says: “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” This is seen to represent the beauty of God’s people. In Hosea 14:5 it is written that God will “blossom like the lily.” This is seen as a reminder of God’s promise of peace and love to his people.
In The New Testament
The New Testament also refers to lilies in a number of places. Matthew 6:28-29 discusses how the lilies will be given their food even though they do not toil. This is seen as a reminder of God’s care and compassion for his people. In Luke 12:27 a Parable of the Lily is presented to remind people to trust in God’s provision and know that He will take care of them.
Symbolism of Lily in Christianity
The lily is an often-used symbol in Christianity, representing purity, innocent, beauty and eternity. It is seen as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and is often associated with the Annunciation. The lily is also seen as a symbol of Easter and of Resurrection, as Jesus’ death on the Cross also brings eternal life.
Implications for Today
The implications of lily meaning in the Bible still have relevance today. In a world where innocence, purity and love are often in short supply, the reminder from Scripture of the lily’s symbolism can be a helpful and reassuring reminder of hope. In times of struggle, when faith may be weak, the lily symbol is a powerful reminder that God still loves us and is providing for us in some way, even though we may not understand.
Relevance to the Art
Christian art often includes depictions of lilies as a reference to Scripture*. From the stained-glass windows of cathedrals to Renaissance era paintings, the lily has been used to represent a moment of divine beauty and holiness, offering a reminder of the purity and holiness in the world. The lily is a powerful, potent symbol in Christian art, offering a reminder of the hope, love and faith at the heart of Christianity.
Relation to Mary
The lily has long been a symbol of Mary and her purity, evident in multiple names for the flower in multiple languages-such as the Latin lilia and French lis. The lily is also often merged with depictions of Mary as a reminder of her humility, holiness and grace.
Relation to Jesus
The lily, being a symbol of innocence, purity and eternity, is also a potent symbol of Jesus Resurrection. It is seen as a symbol of hope and faith, representing God’s promise of an eternal life. As lilies come up in Scripture again and again, their symbolism supports the idea of eternal life and freedom in Jesus, as well as being a potent reminder of the hope and love at the core of Christianity.
Relation to the Natural World
In addition to being a symbol of grace, holiness and eternity, the lily is also a symbol of the natural world. In remembrance of the Garden of Eden and original sin, the lily is a reminder of the beauty of creation, as well as the consequences of human experience. Its beauty transcends culture and language, and its symbolism serves to remind people of the beauty of the world around them, and of the need to be in harmony with creation and the divine.
