The lily was chosen to be the symbol of Florence in the second half of the XII century. Florentia had to be represented by a flower and the flowers mainly used in heraldic bearings were roses and lilies. The Florentine lily on the gonfalon was originally white on a red background; it was changed to red on a white background by the Guelfi in 1266, as a sign of victory over the Ghibellini. The botanic name of the lily of Florence is Irish Florentina, the iris can be seen in the city's coat of arms because it is a flower that grows abundantly in the fields around the city. Mythology tells that the lily was born from drop of milk that feels from Giunone' s breast while she was feeding Ercole. The lily therefore signifies purity and chastity. The Florentines were so struck by the abundance and beauty of the flowers...