My friend, Gill Henwood, has sent me photos of a striking lily, growing in her Lakeland garden.
It is known as the Black Lily,  though it is generally deep pink/ purple outlined in white – with a green star in the centre which is scented.
It was bred originally about 50 years ago by a plantsman called Leslie Woodriff. It’s pedigree is Lilium speciosum rubrum and Lilium Henryi.
It can reach quite a height in mid to late August.

Like all flowers it has a meaning beyond itself.
Lily flowers are regarded as symbols of purity linked with clarity of thought and sincerity of intention. In vocational terms it can be a symbol of dedication to a spiritual practice or calling. The lily has a long association with the Blessed Virgin Mary whose calling to become the Christ-bearer and instrument of the Incarnation is at the heart of every call to serve God.

Probably because the Lily is associated with devotion and fidelity, it is a flower often chosen by those celebrating their
30^th Wedding Anniversary
It is also referenced in the Jewish faith on the day when thanksgiving is made for the falling of dew. The quotation from Hosea (above) is part of the ritual for that day.

For Christians the primary symbolic understanding of the Lily is connected with the understanding of the death and resurrection of Jesus.For many people, Lilies are associated with funerals and bereavement but this link with death is rooted in the belief in the transformation and transcendence of death and the darkness of the world by the triumph of love by Jesus on the Cross. Add to that the symbol of the lily as a sign of re-birth and it is hardly surprising that the dominant flower associated with Easter is the White Lily whose opening represents the revelation of God’s love for us which is at the heart of Easter. It is new growth, new hope and new beginnings all rolled into one.

The Lily in its various forms, shades and colours is a symbol of joy and beauty bringing a special fragrance into our world, whenever and wherever it flowers.

One final thing – sometimes we can overdo our quest for perfection in our lives and in the things we do. So there is a saying  ~ don’t gild the Lily ~
Only God is perfect. Even the gorgeous Lily has its imperfections. So do we but to God it doesn’t matter at all. God loves us come what may and it is love which gilds us so that we shine brightly in God’s eyes.

[Mr G]

photographs by Gill Henwood.

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