Understanding Peace Lily: Symbolism, Meaning, and Spirituality

By: Matt Slaymaker
February 8, 2024
Peace Lily Meaning and Symbolism
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Peace lily, adored for its elegant broad green leaves and white flowers, holds profound meaning, symbolism, and spiritual significance.

As a symbol of peace, tranquility, and purity, it has become a popular choice among both indoor and outdoor gardeners. But its cultural resonance extends beyond aesthetics, with deep connections to spirituality and people's emotional well-being.

In this article, you'll learn more about the message that a peace lily can convey and what the plant signifies spiritually. We'll explore its symbolic meaning and why it makes the perfect gift for the right occasion. 

About Peace Lilies 

About Peace Lily Plants

Also known as Spathiphyllum, peace lilies aren’t true lilies. Тhey’re evergreen herbaceous perennial plants from the Araceae family. This easy-to-grow houseplant is native to the tropical regions of America and southeastern Asia but is widely grown in other areas of the world, too. 

Peace lilies are popular among gardeners and plant lovers for their giant dark green leaves, striking white blooms, and, most importantly, for their low maintenance.  They are undemanding plants, so you won’t find it hard to take care of your peace lily.

But that’s not all! There are many other reasons to bring home or grow a peace lily — it’s proven to be very effective in absorbing pollutants and purifying indoor air; promoting restful sleep and boosting productivity, among others. 

Last but not least, the gorgeous peace lily carries a special meaning and has a powerful symbolic and spiritual significance.

What Is the Meaning of Peace Lily?

What Is the Meaning of Peace Lily

The beautiful peace lily has more than one special meaning. It can be perfectly in tune with a range of feelings and emotions. In addition, the plant can be associated with a specific state of consciousness, as well as with spiritual symbolism.

Prosperity 

A peace lily is often considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in several regions of the world. Historically, it’s believed to be a positive omen with special powers that attract good luck. 

Purity & Innocence

In many cultures, “white” is a symbol of virginity and purity. Since the blossoms of the peace lily also unfold in a crystal white hue, the plant is commonly associated with purity, innocence and virtue.

Peace & Tranquility

The stunning Spathiphyllum represents peace and tranquility, with the plant’s white flowers reminiscent of the white flags flown worldwide as a sign of truce. It also carries the meaning of serenity and calmness.

Sympathy

The peace lily, often gifted to provide comfort and convey sympathy during difficult times, symbolizes solace and remembrance. Its white blooms can channel a sense of understanding and intuitive perceptiveness, when we offer our condolences and support to loved ones during challenging times. 

Hope & Ambition  

A peace lily also symbolizes hope and ambition with its graceful white blooms. Its pristine flowers convey the pursuit of aspirations, radiating a sense of optimism. As a plant gift, it inspires a sense of possibility, fostering a belief that growth and fulfillment are attainable, and dreams come true. 

Surrender & Acceptance

Last but not least, this tropical houseplant is a reminder of surrender and acceptance. Its beautiful blossoms ask us to let go and embrace life as it comes. Like a peaceful messenger, the plant encourages us to accept things gracefully, finding beauty in embracing the present.

Peace Lily: Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Peace Lily Spiritual Significance

The spiritual symbolism of peace lilies holds significance in different cultures across the world.  

  • Spiritual growth: They are seen as a metaphor for one’s spiritual development and the continuous journey toward enlightenment.
  • Healing: Their positive energy comes in handy inducing quick recovery from an injury, loss, or mental trauma.
  • Femininity: The plant also serves as a symbol of femininity and feminine energy in various spiritual and belief systems.
  • Rebirth: Peace lilies are a symbol of rebirth and resurrection, often considered as the ideal Easter plant gift
  • Wisdom: This flowering beauty also symbolizes intuitive wisdom, promoting enlightenment and offering insightful guidance.

The plant is also very popular with its special meanings in Feng Shui. Read on to find out more about the significance of this gorgeous houseplant and where it’s best to place it in your home, according to Feng Shui.

Peace Lily & Its Meaning in Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, the peace lily is revered for being the symbol of peace and harmony. With its lush greenery and pure white blooms, it embodies balance and tranquility. 

Placing a peace lily strategically in your home or office space is believed to purify energy, promote positivity, and enhance your overall well-being, making it a perfect choice for harmonizing home environments.

Where to Place Your Peace Lily in Feng Shui? 

Feng Shui recommends placing your peace lily in the North direction, which also represents the Water element. Coincidentally, the plant also thrives in moderate light and requires medium water, thereby resonating with this symbolic meaning. 

Peace Lily - The Perfect Plant Gift for the Right Occasion

Peace Lily - the Perfect Gift

The elegant peace lily not only adds beauty to your indoor space but also makes the perfect gift for any occasion, as described below. 

Housewarming

If you’ve been searching for an ideal housewarming gift, consider a peace lily. It brings a sense of calmness, cultivates positive energy, and removes toxicity from any space. In addition, this amazing tropical plant gives a special floral touch to new homes! 

New Baby Celebration

A peace lily makes a thoughtful gift for new moms who recently announced their pregnancy or just had a baby, conveying tranquility, growth, and upholding the pure energy of new life. 

Peace Offering

If you've fallen out with a loved one or a close friend, now it's the time to show your regret with a thoughtful plant gift that can strengthen your friendship. Offer them a peace lily to bring peace and harmony to your relationship, fostering a calming atmosphere.

Get-Well Gift

Peace lilies make a perfect get-well gift for your loved ones, promising a faster recovery from an illness or surgery. The plant also acts as a token of luck and fortune during tough times. 

Sympathy

You can also offer a peace lily as a comforting symbol of serenity and support during times of loss, expressing your condolences and providing solace. 

Peace Lily Meaning and Symbolism: FAQs

Q: Why do people send peace lilies?

A: There can be various reasons why people send peace lilies, as discussed above. They convey peace, tranquility, hope, ambition, love, and support. 

Q: Is lily a lucky plant?

A: Yes, a lily is a lucky plant. It brings good fortune, besides promoting inner peace, happiness, and prosperity in both material and spiritual matters. Hence, it makes sense to keep a lily at your home or office for good luck all year round. 

Q: Do peace lilies purify the air?

A: Yes, peace lilies tend to purify the air by filtering and removing harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene, and ammonia. 

Q: Is peace lily toxic to cats and dogs?

A: Yes, peace lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. The plant's roots, stems, and leaves contain sharp-edged calcium oxalate crystals that can harm your furry friend if ingested. 

Conclusion

A peace lily is more than an element of interior design and home decoration. It exudes floral beauty while expressing the enduring message of peace. 

Embracing the depth of its symbolism and spiritual significance, the peace lily becomes an ideal green companion, offering solace, tranquility, and a touch of nature's grace.