What Does The Easter Lily Symbolize?

Easter is associated with memories of parades, family gatherings, church services, chocolate bunnies, gift baskets, egg decorating, and the famous Easter Lily. They are very popular for Easter gifts, and their unique trumpet shaped blossoms symbolize life, purity, hope, and the spiritual meaning of Easter along with the promise of Spring.

Thanks need to be given to World War I soldier Louis Houghton for the overall popularity of the Bermuda lily. It is also known as the Easter lily. In 1919, Louis brought a suitcase of the lily bulbs to the southern coast of Oregon, distributing them to his friends and family to plant.

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.

The elegantly beautiful and majestic white lily has been a popular subject in history, mythology, and art. In the Bible, the lily is referred to in the Sermon on the Mount when Christ 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 those."

Lilies are sometimes affectionately called the "white-robed apostles of hope." They are rumored to be found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's atonement was performed there. Most churches festoon themselves with large groups of Easter Lilies each spring to symbolize the glorious resurrection and hope brought to us by Jesus Christ.

Another concept associated with the pure white lily is that of womanhood. In some early paintings, the Angel Gabriel offers pure white lilies to the Virgin Mary, and this symbolizes that she will be the mother of Jesus. Other paintings show saints bringing vases of white lilies to Mary and the divine child. According to the legend, the flowers were formed when Eve cried repentant tears upon leaving Eden, and the tears became lilies. The point of this legend is that true repentance leads to 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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To learn more on the Easter Lily meaning, read Aurelia's blog post. Check out this great link if you are interested in ordering an Easter Lily for those you care about on the holiday