The Meaning of Easter Lilies 

Many holidays are associated with flowers.  For instance, Valentine’s Day is when the sale of red roses skyrockets.  For Easter, the Easter Lily is the flower of choice, which is beautiful, offers a wonderful fragrance, and has a long history.  In fact, Lilies have been the inspiration for artists, storytellers, and poets for thousands of years. 

Dating back in time to around 1580 BC, pictures, and drawings of Lilies are found in Egyptian tombs, on Cretan walls, and in Assyrian carvings.  In addition, the Lily was a huge part of Greek mythology.  Legend of Greek mythology tells us that this particular flower was actually grown from drops of milk that came from the breasts of the Greek goddess, Hera.  For this reason, brides with a Greek heritage or those being married in Greece often wear a crown of Lilies, a representation of abundance and purity. 

You can also find Easter Lilies talked about in the Bible, both New and Old Testaments.  In the Bible, this flower was the symbol of virtue and chastity.  Because of the link to the Bible, Lilies are the flower chosen to celebrate the resurrection of Christ for the holiday we know as Easter.  Although the Lily is mentioned in the Bible, no connection specific to the resurrection can be found.  Even so, the flower is found in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Just as with Greek mythology, it is believed that the Lily associated with the Bible grows where Jesus’ sweat fell to the ground in his darkest hours of sorrow. 

Today, Easter Lilies are sold in grocery stores, floral shops, and even on street corners specifically in honor of this holiday.  Keep in mind that Lilies are also springtime flowers, again producing a sweet aroma and trumpet shape.  Therefore, the Easter Lily is also a representation of the new spring, or new life.  Churches are often decorated with Easter Lilies, as well as restaurants, offices, and even homes. 

Sure, you could enjoy the Easter holiday with any type of flower or with no flowers at all but keeping with ancient tradition while adding a touch of elegance, the Easter Lily is a wonderful addition and way of showing honor to this lovely holiday.  If you are visiting family or perhaps have a loved one in a long-term nursing facility, the perfect Easter gift is the Lily.