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.

This lily proved to really thrive in the climate there. It was similar to the flower’s native Ryukyu Islands of Japan. By the year 1945, there were over a thousand growers on the west coast harvesting these bulbs to sell. There are only about two full weeks during the year when these flowers are commercially available. Easter lilies are estimated to be the fourth largest potted plant crop in the United States, following the poinsettia, mum, and azalea.

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.

The beautiful white lily has for centuries embodied thoughts joy, hope, and life. The pure white flower brings to mind purity and grace. This is why it is the perfect flower to represent Easter. Millions of homes and churches use lilies as a reminder of the true meaning of Easter. It is a time of rejoicing, celebration, and rebirth. Include the beautiful lily along with your traditional eggs and candy to keep the true meaning of Easter in mind. Looking at this beautiful flower will remind everyone of the true meaning of this special and important holiday.