What does the ‘flower of the rain’ symbolize? Let’s explore the meaning of Rain Lily and Why You Should Grow It!
Rain Lily is the unexpected visitor you didn’t know you needed! Packed with symbolism and cultural significance, let’s uncover the rain lily’s meaning and explore why you should grow it at home!
What is Rain Lily?
Rain lily is a perennial flower belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes famous blooms like daffodils, snowdrops, amaryllis, and many more that grow from bulbs. Producing a sweet floral scent, the funnel-shaped flowers with six prominent petals appear in many hues.
It has unassuming green grass-like foliage that suddenly bursts into pink, lilac, yellow, white, and peach blooms a few days after a storm, instantly juicing up your garden. Also known as zephyr lilies or fairy lilies, it is native to the Americas but adapts easily and can grow in a range of regions, climates, and settings.
First, let’s unravel the metaphysical mysteries behind the rain lily, its spiritual meaning, and its cultural symbolism before anything.
Rain Lily Meaning
Like a fluke visit from close friends, flushes of fragrant blossoms unexpectedly pop up after a rainy spell, universally symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and fresh starts. This stunning bloom has always symbolized beliefs that differ from culture to culture.
It suggests resilience and hope and is gifted in versatile situations. It can help someone cope with grief, loss, and despair, wishing them luck and inspiring hope for a better future.
A bouquet of rain lilies ushers in joyous beginnings at weddings and celebrations.
In Feng Shui, the rain lily symbolizes flow, fluidity, and seamless change, fortified by its water element, adaptability, and strength. And in Chinese folklore, this flower bridges mortals with the divine.
Across cultures and rituals, different colors signify different emotions. White blooms represent innocence, resurrection, and a fresh start, while pink shows deep affection and love. Orange blooms indicate confidence and individuality, and yellow for serendipity.
If you love flowers with symbolism and mystery, check out our article on the enigmatic cosmos flower!
Why Should You Grow Rain Lilies?
With 70 species under its belt, rain lily easily naturalizes in gardens and landscapes, spreading and building colonies over time. While it blooms right after rain, the plant is drought-tolerant once mature, making it suitable for growing on patios, containers, balconies, or other urban spaces.
