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.

Louis Houghton, who fought in World War 1, introduced the Bermuda lily (or Easter lily) to this country. At the end of the war, he carried a valise filled with these bulbs to Oregon's south coast, giving them to relatives and acquaintances for planting here.

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.

These elegant white flowers are pictured and written about extensively in art, history, and mythology. A famous instance occurs in the Bible in the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus says," 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."

Lilies have come to be called the "White-Robed Apostles of Hope". It is said that they were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after the crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. During the Easter season, churches display a profusion of lilies in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus, His resurrection, and His promise of everlasting life through His blood.

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.

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, visit Aurelia's original article. Here's a quick link if you'd like to buy an Easter Gifts for those you care about on the holy day

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