Why Is the Lily the Flower of Easter?
The lily is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. This flower is also portrayed with regularity in religious paintings. The Easter lily is considered the traditional Easter flower because it symbolizes resurrection as well as goodness, purity, life, hope and innocence.
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History
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The Easter lily's scientific name is the Lilium longiflorum, and it is native to the Japanese southern islands. It was shipped to the United States in the 1880s after it was cultivated in Bermuda. During World War II, the United States surpassed Japan as the major source of Easter lilies.
Considerations
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Lilies require a lot of care initially. It takes several years of intense care and the perfect mix of soil and climate to produce quality lilies. The border of California and Oregon is known as the Easter lily capital of the word.
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Theories/Speculation
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There are many theories abut the lily and its connection to Christ. The white lily is often used in symbolic ways in mythology. Some believe that the lily is associated with motherhood. Others believe that the lily sprang from the breast milk of the mythological Queen of Heaven, Hera. Perhaps this is why the lily is linked with The Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic tradition.
Symbolism
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At times, the lily is used to represent Mary's resurrection. The white petals are said to represent the purity of the Virgin Mary's body, and the flower's golden anthers are believed to be her soul that is glowing in heavenly light. Christians perceive the lily as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and thus chastity.
Christianity
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The lily is also associated with Jesus Christ because of his sweetness which is comparable to the fragrance of the lily, according to Learn the Bible. A lily is whiter than other flowers. White represents purity. In the Bible it says, "Jesus Christ, He brings forth much fruit." A lily is fruitful. One lily root can produce 50 bulbs. The lily is tall but hangs its head, which is equated to humility, and Jesus was humble. The lily has curative properties, as did Jesus. The lily was believed to prevent faintness, restore a lost voice, improve dropsy and benefit the liver.
Legend
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One story states that the lily was yellow until the day the Virgin Mary picked the flower, at which point it turned white. Another legend maintains that a lily came out of Eve's tears when she was exiled from Eden. The lily is also symbolic of saints and martyrs as well as the symbol of fertility and abundance. Lilies are often placed on graves.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Easter Lily image by Michael Costable from Fotolia.com
