A Handful of Stars

Tiger lilies, both as a motif and a namesake, hold profound significance in Lily’s narrative, intertwining with her perception of herself and her journey of self-discovery. The symbol reflects the complexity of Lily’s identity and the nuanced emotions she grapples with. Inspired by the flower, Lily’s given name is a unique choice that ties back to the moment of her birth, when her mother, captivated by the beauty of tiger lilies outside the hospital, decided to name her after the flowers she saw out of the window.

Lily harbors reservations about her name, revealing a discomfort with its uniqueness. This unease is rooted in her desire for normalcy, a yearning to blend in rather than stand out. Lily views tiger lilies with a sense of awkwardness and self-consciousness as the flower’s bold, vibrant colors contrast with her perception of herself as timid and ordinary.

However, as Lily’s friendship with Salma deepens, her perception of the flower, and thus herself, begins to shift. Salma sees the tiger lily in a different light and admires its resilience, its ability to grow in harsh conditions, and its untraditional beauty. Through Salma’s perspective, Lily begins to see the tiger lily as a symbol of strength, individuality, and defiance.

The tiger lily motif culminates in Lily’s decision to paint bee houses with designs inspired by the flower. This act represents a bold assertion of her individuality and a rejection of the constraints imposed by societal expectations. It signifies her willingness to embrace her unique qualities and stand out, just as the tiger lily boldly blooms amidst a sea of other flowers. As she signs her full name, she embraces and asserts her identity. Thus, tiger lilies as a symbol parallel Lily’s journey toward self-acceptance and her determination to forge her own path.