The Easter Lily

By Aurelia M. Fleur
        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.
        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.
        The lily, from Ryukyu Islands of Japan, adapted well to the climate. By 1945, west coast growers producing the bulbs numbered over one thousand. In the commercial market, Easter lilies rank only behind poinsettias, mums, and azaleas as the largest potted plant in the United States, even though they are only sold two weeks out of the year.
        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.
        The pure white lily has long been associated with women and purity in religious history. Eve, banished forever from the Garden of Eden, shed true tears of remorse as she had to leave. Pure white lilies are said to have sprang up from where her tears fell. The beauty of being repentant is represented by the white flower. The Virgin Mary is often pictured as receiving white lilies. The Angel Gabriel brought them to her when he told her she would bear the Christ Child. Various saints are also shown bringing them to Mary and the baby Jesus.
        It's no wonder that the graceful white lily has become a symbol for the real meaning of Easter. Millions of churches and homes will feel the hope, joy, and new life which bouquets of the regal flowers can provide. No matter if you decide to buy Easter lilies as a gift or for personal enjoyment, they will provide the insurmountable joy of the Easter season. They are a living sign that it is a time for us to celebrate and rejoice. When you go out to buy chocolate bunnies, peeps, and jelly beans this year, add some Easter lilies to your list.