“No,” the merchant answers quite simply, to your surprise. “Or if it does, I’m not aware of any special significance. So many people want easy answers: ‘give me a bouquet that conveys condolences,' or ‘which bloom best captures the spirit of reconciliation?’”
The merchant offers an airy shrug to these imaginary, misguided customers.
“If orange lilies are the favorite of your beloved, then who cares if one tradition or another claims they symbolize hatred and humiliation? Get them lilies." They hold the white blooms out to you in offering.
“Conveying sentiment is an art—a calculus of the heart. It carries the meaning you give it.”