George Boyle
Flowers are a key part of wedding celebrations, with their beauty and symbolism enhancing the enchantment of the occasion. However, some flowers carry superstitions and folkloric associations with bad luck, misfortune, and death. Lilies, for example, are considered funeral flowers by many, signifying purity and peace in death and foreshadowing mortality. In some rural communities, quickly wilting water lilies or calla lilies are seen as a sign of impending illness or misfortune. Yet, lilies are also used in weddings, with Polynesian officiants binding couples' wrists with a garland of lily blooms to deter evil spirits and attract positive ones. Day lilies are also encouraged at weddings to ward off any feelings of sadness and worry for the bride. So, are lilies bad luck for weddings, or do they bring positive energy and protection from evil spirits?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Elegance, love, grace, romance, femininity, purity, peace, fragility, mortality |
| Cultural Significance | Used in Chinese tomb ceremonies, associated with funerals, considered "funeral flowers" |
| Superstitions | Bring bad luck, foreshadow household misfortune if not handled properly, deter evil spirits, bring good luck |
| Wedding Traditions | Brides carry lilies in their bridal bouquets, officiants use garlands of lilies to bind couples' wrists during Polynesian weddings |
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What You'll Learn
Lilies are believed to bring good luck in some cultures
Weddings are often associated with folklore and superstitions. Couples are usually wary of anything that could bring bad luck on their big day and are keen to follow traditions that are believed to bring good luck. Flowers, in particular, are said to carry symbolic meanings and are chosen carefully for the wedding ceremony and decorations.
While lilies are considered "funeral flowers" in some cultures and are believed to bring bad luck, there are several instances where lilies are believed to bring good luck. For instance, in Polynesian weddings, the officiant ties the couple's wrists together with a garland of evergreen cordyline fructose lily or palm lilies. These sacred blooms are believed to ward off evil spirits and attract positive ones. Day lilies are also encouraged at weddings to ward off "feeling blue" and make the bride forget her "pending" troubles.
In some cultures, the lily signifies purity and peace in death and is tied to omens of life's fragility. The lotus, a type of lily, is revered in Buddhism and Hinduism as it represents enlightenment and the soul's true nature. Lilies are also believed to symbolise elegance, love, grace, romance, and femininity.
In addition to lilies, other flowers are also considered lucky in different cultures. For example, roses symbolise love and romance and play a prominent role in Greek weddings. Ivy, which is believed to ward off witches and conceal drunkenness, is also popular in Greek weddings as a symbol of never-ending love. In Ireland, ringing bells are included in the bridal bouquets to ward off evil spirits and ensure a harmonious life for the newlyweds.
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They are associated with funerals in some cultures
Weddings are often steeped in superstition and folklore, with couples wanting to avoid any hint of bad luck on their big day. Flowers, in particular, are associated with luck—both good and bad. While lilies are considered elegant, romantic, and a symbol of femininity, they are also associated with funerals in some cultures.
The lily is often regarded as a "funeral flower," and its presence in the home is thought to be a bad omen. This association with death and foreboding is not limited to lilies alone. Across cultures, specific flower species carry ominous connotations or are considered inauspicious gifts under certain circumstances due to superstition. For instance, in some rural communities, quickly wilting water lilies or calla lilies are believed to signal impending illness or misfortune. Similarly, in Eastern and Southern Europe, chrysanthemums are rarely seen at festivals, and in China and Japan, white flowers are avoided at weddings.
The lily's funereal symbolism can be traced back to Asia, where they were historically used in Chinese tomb ceremonies. In modern times, they retain an aura of darkness in some European nations. In these cultures, lilies are tied to omens of life's fragility, foreshadowing mortality and spelling household misfortune if not handled properly.
However, lilies are also used in weddings in some cultures. In Polynesian weddings, for instance, the officiant binds the couple's wrists together with a garland of evergreen cordyline fructose lily or palm lilies. These sacred blooms are believed to ward off evil spirits and attract positive ones. Day lilies are also encouraged at weddings to ward off "feeling blue" and make the bride forget her troubles.
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Calla lilies are considered bad luck for weddings with children or pets
Flowers play a significant role in weddings, and couples often go to great lengths to ensure that their choice of flowers does not bring even a hint of bad luck to their special day. While some superstitions surrounding wedding flowers may seem far-fetched, it is always better to be safe than sorry. One such superstition surrounds the use of calla lilies, which are considered beautiful and elegant but are also associated with funerals and death.
Despite their association with peace, purity, and fertility, calla lilies are considered bad luck for weddings, especially if there will be children or pets in attendance. This is because calla lilies are toxic and hazardous if ingested. While they may be stunning in a bouquet or as aisle decor, it is crucial to consider the potential risks associated with these flowers. Their toxic traits can pose a serious threat to curious children or playful pets who may accidentally ingest them, leading to harmful consequences.
The decision to include calla lilies in a wedding with children or pets is ultimately a personal choice. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions. It may be advisable to choose other flowers that are not associated with bad luck or pose a danger to guests. Superstitions or not, ensuring the safety and well-being of guests, especially the little ones and furry friends, should always come first.
While some may choose to avoid calla lilies due to their negative connotations, it is worth noting that the meaning of flowers has somewhat been lost over time. Modern interpretations of flower meanings are often subjective and vary across cultures. Today's couples may prioritise personal preference, colour schemes, and flower availability over the traditional meanings associated with certain blooms.
To ward off any potential feelings of "feeling blue" on her wedding day, a bride might opt for day lilies or poppies, which are said to have a similar effect. For magical love powers, pansies are believed to be the flower of choice, and for a streamlined, elegant look, calla lilies are hard to beat. Ultimately, the choice of wedding flowers should align with the couple's vision, values, and unique circumstances.
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Day lilies are encouraged to ward off sadness
Weddings are often steeped in superstition and folklore, with couples keen to avoid any hint of bad luck on their big day. Wedding flowers are no exception, with some brides believing that even numbers of flowers in their bouquet are reserved for the dead.
However, day lilies are encouraged at weddings to bring positive energy and ward off sadness. The bride is often stressed in the lead-up to her wedding, carrying trouble and sorrow in her mind. Day lilies are believed to help alleviate these negative feelings, making the bride forget her worries.
Day lilies, or Hemerocallis spp. and hybrids, are known for their elegant foliage and showy blooms, which come in a wide range of colours and sizes. Each flower only blooms for a single day, reminding us that life is fleeting and should be enjoyed. This sense of impermanence can help to put any wedding day nerves or sadness into perspective.
Day lilies can also be a beautiful way to honour the memory of loved ones who have passed away. While lilies are often associated with funerals and can evoke sadness for some, day lilies can represent the innocence restored to the soul of the deceased and remind us of the temporary gift of life and beauty.
So, while some flowers may be considered bad luck for weddings, day lilies are encouraged to bring joy and ward off any feelings of sadness.
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Lily bouquets are believed to deter evil spirits
Weddings are often associated with folklore and superstitions, and couples are known to observe some of these beliefs to avoid bad luck on their big day. Flowers, in particular, are said to carry symbolic meanings and are chosen carefully for the occasion. While lilies are considered elegant, romantic, and feminine, they are also often associated with funerals and misfortune. In some cultures, they are believed to symbolise purity and peace in death. However, lilies are also thought to signify the fragility of life and can spell household misfortune if not handled properly.
In contrast, lilies are believed to ward off evil spirits and attract positive ones in Polynesian weddings. The officiant ties the couple's wrists together with a garland of evergreen cordyline fructose lilies or palm lilies, known as "tying the knot". This tradition symbolises the sacred union and the belief in deterring evil spirits while inviting good ones.
In other wedding superstitions, ivy in bridal bouquets is thought to ward off witches and conceal drunkenness, ensuring the bride maintains her poise during the celebrations. Similarly, ringing church bells in Irish weddings are believed to rid the couple of evil spirits and bring harmony to their new life together.
While some may view lilies as ominous, their presence in weddings, particularly in Polynesian culture, demonstrates a belief in their power to ward off evil and invite positive energies. The significance of flowers in weddings goes beyond their aesthetic appeal, reflecting the intricate interplay of symbolism, tradition, and superstition that varies across different cultures.
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Frequently asked questions
Lilies are considered to be symbols of purity, peace, enlightenment, and love. In some cultures, they are also associated with funerals and mortality. However, in Polynesian weddings, the couple's wrists are bound together with a garland of evergreen cordyline fructose lilies or palm lilies to ward off evil spirits and attract positive ones. So, while lilies may have some negative connotations in certain contexts, they are not necessarily bad luck for weddings across all cultures.
Lilies are often used in funeral rites and are considered "funeral flowers" in many cultures. They signify purity and peace in the face of death and are also tied to omens of life's fragility. In rural communities, quickly wilting water lilies or calla lilies are believed to signal impending illness or misfortune.
Yes, flowers carry symbolic meanings and superstitions at weddings. For example, in some cultures, white flowers are avoided at weddings, while red, pink, and yellow flowers dominate to convey joy and auspiciousness. In Greece, ivy was included in bridal bouquets to ward off witches and conceal drunkenness. Roses are also prominent in Greek weddings during the "Dance of the Isaiah" as they symbolise love and fertility.
Yes, according to superstition, it is considered bad luck for the bride's bouquet to contain an even number of flowers. Odd numbers are reserved for the living, while even numbers are for the dead.
