The lilac symbolizes purity, modesty and virtue. In the Middle Ages, the flower was used to decorate the graves of the nobility because it was believed that the scent of the flower would protect them in their afterlife. This belief was later extended to all of the faithful.
In the United States, the lilac is commonly associated with springtime. It is the first flower to bloom in spring and can be found in abundance on lawns, roadsides and along fences and railroads. The plant is also associated with the memory of a loved one who has passed away. Lilacs are extremely hardy plants.