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The Easter Lily: A Flower That Symbolizes Eternal Life And Purity
By Wesley Berry
The Easter lily, a majestic white beauty in the shape of a trumpet, heralds the coming of spring and the Easter holiday. It is traditionally presented as an Easter gift and adorns the altars of churches during the Christian holiday. This association with Easter has its roots in the Bible where it is frequently mentioned and has continued to be traditionally linked with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
One of the most notable Biblical references to the lily is during Christ's famed Sermon on the Mount where he states, "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." It is also said that when Christ hung dying on the cross, lilies sprang from the earth where his sweat fell to the ground. It is, therefore, commonly seen as a symbol of the hope of life eternal.
In its association with the Virgin Mary, the lily stands for purity. One legend has it that three days after her burial, Mary's tomb was found empty except for clusters of magnificent white lilies. The lily frequently appears in early paintings of Mary where the Angel Gabriel is shown presenting lilies to Mary upon announcing that she will give birth to the Son of God. She is also pictured with the baby Jesus receiving white lilies from the saints.
Selecting and keeping a beautiful Easter lily is relatively easy. After the Easter season, the flower can even be planted in your garden to bloom year after year. Here are some tips for selecting and caring for an Easter lily:
* Look for a plant that is well balanced on all sides. The leaves should be plentiful all the way from the potting soil to the flower.
* Choose a lily with just a few open flowers and at least three buds.
* Look for lilies that are not in protective plastic or mesh sleeves. These should have been removed after shipping to ensure the health of the plant.
* Avoid waterlogged plants that may have root rot.
* Place your lily in a window that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
* Keep the lily in a cooler area and avoid direct dry heat from furnace vents, fireplaces, and appliances.
* When the last flower has died and there is no more danger of frost, you may transfer the lily to your flower garden. Dig a 6-inch deep hole with enough room for the roots to spread. Plant lilies 4 to 6 inches apart.
About the Author
Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar business that was established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at http://www.800wesleys.com.
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