The enchanting white lilies with their intoxicating fragrance are a favourite of all Italians. Therefore, there is no wonder that Italy has chosen this lovely flower as the floral emblem of the nation.

The tubular flowers in their striking, impeccable white shades start flowering from May and win over every heart with their exquisite aroma. It is grown widely in all parts of Italy and is found to ornate almost every garden of the country. It is deeply embedded in Italian culture too. The flower is highly regarded for its beauty and is symbolic of the purity of heart, elegance as well as innocence and is popularly used in weddings. Again, the white lily is considered to be a ‘general sign of death’. Therefore, the flower is seen to be used in the funerals also. Thus, the flower is the witness of almost every ritual of the Italian life and society. In addition to this, white lilies are used by the people of Italy to express sympathy and condolences on All Saint’s Day.

White lilies are also valued most for their wonderful medicinal properties and are found most effective in healing burns and wounds, ulcers and in the removal of warts. The essential oil extracted from the flowers is used to make perfume.