The peace lily plants appear almost like anthuriums. Both are composed of the green velvet-like leaves and the beautiful embracing spathe which surrounds the spadix. The peace lily meaning and symbolism are elegant just as it is interesting!
In fact, the peace lily is a popular flower because of the many different meanings beheld but its dark green foliage and pure white spathes. This is the very reason why many people say it’s a great option to add in homes or gardens. It’s an amazing flowering plant plus it acts like your very own home air purifier!
Aside from its uses, the peace lily’s flower colors have specific meanings. It comes in only a few colors namely white, red, and green which means purity, eternal life, and love, respectively.
History of Peace Lily Plants
Peace lilies are evergreen flowering plants native to tropical rainforests of Central America and South America as well as southeast Asia. This perennial plant can be abundantly found along tropical regions such as Colombia and Venezuela. It was first brought back from a South American expedition by German plant collector Gustav Wallis in 1824.
The common name Peace lily was first used in the early 1950s to describe a beautiful ornamental indoor plant. Although it is not considered as true lilies, peace lilies are best known for its dark green leaves and white spathes. It belongs to the genus Spathiphyllum of the arum or Araceae family.
The genus name Spathiphyllum derives from Greek words spathe and phyllum meaning a leaf from a leaf-like flower that pertains to the velvet spathe surrounding the spadix. Aside from its scientific name, peace lilies are also commonly referred to as the peace plant, spath flower, or hand holding flower.
Some interesting facts about this plant’s leaves is that it is not actually a flower, instead it has a central spadix surrounded by a white spathe and its lush green foliage. It prefers the soil moist and with low light conditions away from direct sunlight. Achieving the right conditions for this plant is crucial to achieve that beautiful display of spathes.
Some of the rather sought out species for the peace lily include the White Salis (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Sensation peace lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’), and Snowflower (Spathiphyllum floribundum). These flowers won’t take more than two years to mature and you can enjoy its blooms throughout the year long.
Symbolism of Peace Lily Blossoms
The peace lily symbolism can trace back as far as ancient times. In fact, a peace lily symbolize harmony and tranquility because of their silk-like white-colored flowers and majestic appearance. And because a peace lily is a symbol of peace, it can also represent purity and new relationship.
Some cultures believe that sending peace lilies is a signal for beginning a new friendship. It is often also called longevity peace lilies because it wishes for a long life. To sum it up, peace lilies lucky symbol for prosperity and abundance as well as a long and healthy life. It’s a great idea to gift this flower the next time around for a friend or dear one.
Meaning of Peace Lily Floras
Unsurprisingly, the peace lilies is a popular ornamented white flower during funerals and on some rare occasions, on the bridal bouquet or decorations during a wedding. It has a very rich meaning and quite a unique meaning as well. Some say its literal symbolic meaning is that of a white flag.
In the modern language of flowers, the flowers mean truce or strike balance. It can also have a meaning of a soul’s rebirth and wholeness as experiences in an earthly life. It can express sympathy and bring calmness into any surrounding.
What does a White Peace Lily Floret Mean?
White peace lily flowers send the meaning of purity and innocence. Because it is the color white, these white flowers resemble the holiness and rebirth of Christ after His death on the cross.
What does a Green Peace Lily Blossom Symbolize?
Sympathy and eternal life are the symbolic meanings behind green peace lilies. This flower color also embodies one’s kind-hearted nature and goodness.
What does a Red Peace Lily Floret Represent?
Red Peace plants or lilies represent one’s sacredness and royalty. It signifies the strength of bonds in love and affection.
What is the Cultural Significance and Spiritual Impact of a Peace Lily Flower?
Just like all flowers, peace lily plants have quite an impact on many cultures and is a powerful spiritual symbol. For Chinese Feng Shui, a garland or bouquet of peace lillies are given to grieving and mourning people to represent inner peace and condolence.
Although these are not actual flowers, these are a great addition as indoor flowers. Feng Shui experts believe it can reduce disturbing noise and pollution in the area. It can also clear the room of negative energy and attract positive energy to bring in good fortune.
Additionally, peace lily plants also symbolize a prosperous life filled with all the blessings!
What is the Biblical Meaning Behind Peace Lily Blossoms?
In the many beliefs of Christians, peace lily plants along with many other flowers, is associated with the image of the Virgin Mary. It is symbolic of various biblical events such as Virgin Mary’s purity during the Annunciation and the rebirth of Jesus Christ in Easter. Aside from this, the flowers are a living tribute to the Virgin Mother’s chastity and sacredness.
Moreover, these blossoms are also symbolic to confessor saints. Upon their natural death, the flowers symbolize loss and their pure spirits. Surprisingly, these flowers also represent the passing of one’s soul into heaven and are laid to eternal rest.
What does a Peace Lily Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
The floral peace lily is already known to be symbolic of harmony and tranquility. It also includes the purity and innocence of the Virgin Mother. A floral tattoo design of this choice embodies one’s hope and positive thinking. It sends the message that there is something to always look forward to in life.
Uses of a Peace Lily Plant
A peace lily is a popular indoor plant that has luscious green leaves, a beautiful white spathe, and a very attractive spadix. It is also a low maintenance plant! The way you can use this great plant aside from decorative purposes just might surprise you too! One of the many things this flower can do is that it can act as a keepsake flower for someone you hold dear.
In the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Clean Air Study, this lovely flower is among one of the best indoor plants that can purify indoor air and improve overall air quality. As it was believed in Feng Shui, these blooms can also successfully remove harmful air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
A peace lily soothes the air from other toxic gasses such as trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. In fact, if you place this flower in the southwest corner of a room, it can reduce tension between a relationship and even reduce stress. It’s a popular houseplant and a great gift for a friend or loved one in a new home.
Aside from being an air purifier and a beautiful addition in a home, peace lily plants also include a few medicinal benefits. Some known species of the Spathiphyllum can have its spikes and young leaves can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable. It can also be dried and added to certain tobacco products to add a fragrant aroma.
Spathiphyllum flowers contain the compound calcium oxalate crystals commonly present as kidney stones in the body. A word of warning that it’s a must to always consult a culinary specialist before using this plant or any part of it for cooking purposes.
~ image source: depositphotos/sweemingyoung
