The ancient Romans believed that the first lily grew from the milk that spilled from the breasts of the goddess Juno as she fed the infant Hercules. Where this milk fell to earth, a milk-white lily spontaneously grew.

In the Middle Ages, finely ground lily bulbs, often mixed with honey, were used to heal burns and infections, treat snake bites, fight wrinkles, and restore hair to bald spots. Also, a soothing salve was made from the blooms. The meaning and symbolism of the lily has changed through the ages. The Romans saw the lily as a symbol of hope, and later in Western Europe, it became the symbol of chastity and innocence.

During the Renaissance, the lily was often portrayed with the Virgin Mary. The lily is also considered to be the sacred flower of motherhood. According to Anglo-Saxon folklore, if both a rose and a lily were offered to an expectant mother and she chose the rose, her baby would be a girl. If she chose the lily, a boy was on the way. Of course, lilies are a perfect gift for both boys and girls to give their mom for Mother’s Day!