Posted on 04/07/2023 6:00:01 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
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The Surprising Meaning Behind Easter Lilies
Christianity’s most important holiday is rich in symbols, some secular, some religious, from the Easter bunny who brings treats and toys to children, to the Easter lily, a tall, stalky plant topped by graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms. But while the fragrant flower that fills churches and homes come Easter might seem simply a beautiful decoration welcoming springtime, over the course of its fascinating history it has come to feature a far deeper connotation. Today’s Easter lily meaning is most commonly tied to the Bible and even Jesus Christ himself.
Long ago, pagans connected the plant with motherhood and fertility—there’s a reason we give them as gifts to our moms as thanks for all that they do. There is even an ancient Greek myth which tells the tale of lilies blossoming from the milk of Hera, wife of Zeus. In Roman mythology, Venus, the goddess of love, was so envious of the lily’s beauty and purity that she caused a giant pistil to sprout from its center. Cultures across the world still see lilies as symbols of virtue, hope, grace, and innocence.
Lilies Are Frequently Found in the Bible
While commercial bulb production of Easter lilies only began in the 19th century, lilies make many appearances in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the flower’s importance to Christianity. King Solomon spoke of them, and Christ referenced them, too. Mention of lilies in the Bible include:
“I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots” (Hosea 14:5).
“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Luke 12:27).
Lilies Are the Symbol of Several Christian Figures
Referred to as “white-robed apostles of hope,” lilies are believed to have sprouted from the ground where Christ’s blood and tears fell during crucifixion, as well as in the Garden of Gethsemane after his betrayal. It’s also said they grew in the Garden of Eden from Eve’s anguished tears. Because they represent purity, lilies are identified with the Virgin Mary, and in artworks depicting the Annunciation to the Virgin they are often found in the angel Gabriel’s hand. The flower is also associated with the saints Anthony of Padua and Catherine of Siena.
It’s thought that Easter lilies came to symbolize Christ not only because they embody purity—the trumpet-shaped blooms recall the horns that heralded the resurrection of Christ. And the life cycle of Easter lilies, which grow from a bulb for several years beneath the earth before blossoming into magnificent flowers, recalls Jesus’ death and resurrection. What other springtime flower could possibly represent Easter and Christ better?
https://www.countryliving.com/life/inspirational-stories/a38804757/easter-lily-meaning/
Easter always reminds me of how important our FAITH is.
30 Different Types Of Lilies (With Pictures) & How To Care For Them
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https://www.gardeningchores.com/types-of-lilies/
Happy Easter, Diana!
Looks like my daffodils will have open flowers in a few days. Lots of strong tulip leaves sprouting up from the ground, and some healthy looking bearded German iris, too. So far the wild critters have not munched any of them.
Thank goodness the weather is better. That was a rough week.
🌷🌷🌷
I’m not usually *effervescent* on Good Friday, but for the sake of those who might be busy the next day or so, I wish you all a Happy early Easter!
HAPPY EASTER!
Happy Easter!
What a wonderful link - thanks!
Happy Easter, gardening FRiends!
This past week, I got carrots planted and potatoes in.
Next week is prepping the onion beds and hopefully getting some of them planted.
I found some 6 year old snow pea seeds and have them soaking in water to jump start them and they are sending out tiny little baby roots. I’ll be getting those in the ground today, too, and protecting them well from critters.
We’ve finally seen robins and am actually looking forward to my spring flowering bulbs to show.
I plan on starting my herb seeds today. I’m going for broke in companion planting.
Sunday is on the way!
Happy Easter to all! My seeds are sprouting. Daffodils almost open.
Here's one more - (Not to carelessly change the topic, but -)
How to Grow and Care for Azalea
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Yes! - I've got indoor seedlings in trays & pots sprouting now.
Marconi sweet red peppers, Early Girl and Roma tomatoes,
basil, and romaine lettuce.
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Come on Spring Transplanting Season!
“Thank goodness the weather is better. That was a rough week.”
Hoping the worst is behind us - but April Snow isn’t unexpected!
Remember how we went straight to the 90’s last summer in April? All of my Spring Bulbs croaked in the heat and Holland MI cancelled their Tulip Festival, as did so many of our local public gardens. I’m surprised so many came back, though I made a point to ler their leaves die back naturaly, so fingers crossed! I also added a bunches more last Fall, just to be safe. :)
Mother Nature? Get back on your meds! ;)
Thanks for the Lily Link! My favorite Lily will always be the ‘Stargazer.’ It has an amazing history. 6 BILLION stems are used each year; mainly in the Wedding floral industry! (I have an expanding patch of ‘Stargazers’ in one of my perennial beds, for cutting.)
There’s a great book by Amy Stewart (no relation to Martha!) about the history of common (to us, now) flowers. ‘Flower Confidential.’ ‘The Drunken Botanist’ is also fun. Her books are great reads, and she recently started an historical fiction mystery series about one of the first female police officers/investigators. I can’t recommend her books enough!
https://www.amystewart.com/books/
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