What does the word «lily» mean?
Today the lily has a similar name in many languages. But this name comes from ancient Egypt and originally meant something else.
The word «lily» is derived from the ancient Greek «leírion», which etymologists ascribe to an ancient Egyptian word for «flower».
Interestingly, related terms for flower also exist in the Hamitic languages (ilili) and in Basque (lili).
One can only speculate why the Greeks derived the lily's name from the ancient Egyptian word for flower.
Perhaps because the Greeks first came across the lily in Ancient Egypt during the Greco-Roman era, and the name came about
due to linguistic misunderstandings. Whatever the reasons, the lily has similar-sounding names in many languages:
German (Lilie), Catalan (lliri), Spanish (lirio), French (lis), Italian (giglio) and Romansh (gilgia), for example.
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Further exciting topics about lilies
Lilies and their history
Since when are there lilies? Where do they come from? And why are they so popular worldwide? Here you will find the answers to these and other questions.
What does the word «lily» mean?
Today the lily has a similar name in many languages. But this name comes from ancient Egypt and originally meant something else.
Lilies for men and gods
Lilies stand for love, innocence, ephemerality and rebirth. That is why there are exciting stories about customs - but also anecdotes from the world of the gods.
Madonna lily
It enchants with its brilliant white and stood for paganism until the Middle Ages. Here we explain why this lily is now called Madonna lily.
Completely crazy for regal lilies
The strong perfume of the regal lily led to an almost ruinous purchase contract and even almost cost the life of a plant hunter. But read for yourself.
Fire lily
It wards off storms, makes it easier for the hens to breed, helps us find a partner and is even a beauty elixir: here you can learn a lot about the Fire lily.
The mysterious night life of the Turk's cap
Why does the Turk’s Cap only smell at night? And how is a lily pollinated with its flowers hanging down? The exciting answers to these questions can be found here.