Asiatic lilies have a lighter aroma than the other three types, bearing medium-sized flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including orange, red, yellow, pink and white, like the Roma Asiatic lily.

In ancient Rome, white lilies adorned the altars to Juno, and in Greece people dedicated lilies to Hera. Both deities protect women and children, giving white lilies the symbolic value of safety and sanctuary.

Illustrations in Crete indicate that Minoans honored lilies as sacred as early as 1580 B.C. They attributed them to the Goddess Dictynna, who later assimilated into the Greek Goddess Artemis and the Roman Goddess Diana. Like Juno and Hera, these two goddesses protected women, particularly in childbirth. The deities also symbolize fertility and providence. This symbolism ties directly to the Greek marriage custom of placing white lilies on a bride's head entwined with wheat. This represented her purity and the wish for abundance.

Ancient pagans used white lilies as decorations on May Day. On this holiday in Scotland people light fires and celebrate the beginning of Earth's fertile season. Part of the festivities include young women dancing around the May Pole with ribbons with lilies in their hair. The dance weaves the fates in search of a mate. In this setting lilies represent renewed life, health and fertility.

White lilies appearing in dreams portend an upcoming marriage or other happy occasion. If you dream of lilies in winter, it presages loss or separation. Looking at a white lily flower in your dream means the success of a new endeavor and purity of intention. Tossing lilies away indicates ignoring important information or exploiting power.