On Easter you can decorate eggs, make gift baskets, eat delicious chocolate bunnies, do things with your local church of your choice, go to a wonderful family parade and the Easter Lily. The Easter lily symbolizes purity hope and life. Easter Lilies are mostly given with other Easter gifts.
The Easter Lily was originally bought into the United States by a World War I soldier Louis Houghton. What was previously known as the Bermuda lily was first brought to the southern coast of Oregon in 1919. Houghton distributed an entire suitcase of the hybrid lily bulbs to various friends and family.
More than a thousand growers on the west coast are now growing Easter Lilies since it was found that the climate was great for them. These lilies are originally from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. Even though these lilies are only sold about two weeks out of the year they are the fourth most popular potted plant in the United States. The other top three are Mums, Poinsettias and Azaleas.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin and yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” This popular Biblical verse is one of the many stories that convey the elegance and mystery surrounding white flowers. Many references to the white flower can be found throughout history, within mythology, or crafted in art.
Lilies are often called the “White-Robed Apostles of Hope”. Lilies were discovered in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ died on the cross. During the Easter season, churches line their altars and envelop their crosses with a multitude of Easter Lilies, to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.
The pure white lily has long been a symbol of womanhood, especially in early works of art. In many early paintings, the angel Gabriel is seen presenting a branch of lilies to the Virgin Mary when informing her that she is to be the mother of the Christ child. In other paintings, saints bring vases of white lilies to Mary and Jesus. It is traditionally believed that when Eve was cast out of the Garden of Eden, she cried tears of repentance from which sprung pure white lilies: true repentance is the first step towards beauty.
Established through the centuries as a symbol of purity, grace, and the regal lifestyle, the white lily is a suitable reminder of the greater meaning of Easter. These flowers grace millions of homes and churches every year, embodying joy, hope, and life; whether given as a gift or displayed proudly in one’s home, the Easter lily remains a beauteous reminder of how Easter is a time for celebration and rejoicing. So when you purchase Easter baskets for your loved ones, don’t hold back with decorated eggs and chocolates, but be certain to include a few Eastern lilies as well!
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