July birth flower · Nymphaea
Water Lily meaning & symbolism
The water lily stands for purity, enlightenment and rebirth. Here's what each color means, where the flower comes from, and how to use it.
Water Lily color meanings
- White: purity
- Pink: joy and grace
History & folklore
Water lilies were sacred in ancient Egypt, where blue water lilies appear in tomb paintings. Claude Monet painted the lilies in his Giverny pond about 250 times.
In birth flower charts it's paired with the larkspur.
Fun facts
- Water lily flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon.
- The leaves, called pads, can grow more than a foot across.
As a tattoo
A floating lily on a pad is a peaceful, circular design that often pairs with larkspur for July. See more July birth flower tattoo ideas.
July birth flower July birthstone
Water Lily gifts
Water Lily necklaces on Amazon →Water Lily botanical prints on Amazon →We may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Questions, answered
What does a water lily symbolize?
The water lily symbolizes purity, enlightenment and rebirth.
What month is the water lily birth flower?
Water Lily is a birth flower for July.
What do water lily colors mean?
White: purity; Pink: joy and grace.
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