The Easter season will for most of us bring back memories of decorating eggs, making up baskets of gifts, eating chocolate bunnies, going to church, attending family events and parades and the Easter lily. The beautiful trumpet like petals of the flower are symbols of purity, hope, and life. With these flowers comes the promise of spring. Adding Easter lilies to an Easter gift is always a perfect idea.

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.

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.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus 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 these.” This popular Biblical verse is one of the many stories that convey the elegance and mystery surrounding white flowers. Many references to the white flower can be found throughout history, within mythology, or crafted in art.

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.

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!