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Weekly Garden Thread - April 8-14, 2023 [The Meaning of the Easter Lily Edition]
April 8, 2023 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

Posted on 04/07/2023 6:00:01 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin

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1 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/


2 posted on 04/07/2023 6:03:37 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: 4everontheRight; Augie; Apple Pan Dowdy; Aevery_Freeman; ApplegateRanch; ArtDodger; AloneInMass; ...
What other springtime flower could possibly represent Easter and Christ better?

"I know that my Redeemer lives! What COMFORT that sweet sentence gives!"


3 posted on 04/07/2023 6:10:18 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: FRiends
Friday Night Ping! On the fly in the AM with Family & Church doings for Easter. May all your Chocolate Bunnys be SOLID and not hollow, LOL!


4 posted on 04/07/2023 6:23:25 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Easter always reminds me of how important our FAITH is.


5 posted on 04/07/2023 6:32:46 PM PDT by Sacajaweau ( )
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
.

30 Different Types Of Lilies (With Pictures) & How To Care For Them

.

https://www.gardeningchores.com/types-of-lilies/


Happy Easter Everyone!
6 posted on 04/07/2023 6:35:05 PM PDT by GaltAdonis
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

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.

🌷🌷🌷


7 posted on 04/07/2023 6:43:14 PM PDT by TheConservativeParty (Comfy with Frens 🐸 )
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

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!


8 posted on 04/07/2023 6:44:53 PM PDT by FamiliarFace (I got my own way of livin' But everything gets done With a southern accent Where I come from. TP)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

HAPPY EASTER!


9 posted on 04/07/2023 7:18:39 PM PDT by Ladysforest (Racism, misogyny, bigotry, xenophobia and vulgarity - with just a smattering of threats and violence)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Happy Easter!


10 posted on 04/07/2023 7:28:59 PM PDT by AFB-XYZ (Stand up, or bend over)
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To: GaltAdonis
30 Different Types Of Lilies (With Pictures) & How To Care For Them

What a wonderful link - thanks!

11 posted on 04/07/2023 8:05:28 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (“There is no good government at all & none possible.”--Mark Twain)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
Thanks for the lovely thread, Diana in Wisconsin!

Happy Easter, gardening FRiends!


12 posted on 04/07/2023 8:08:14 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (“There is no good government at all & none possible.”--Mark Twain)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

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.


13 posted on 04/07/2023 9:19:11 PM PDT by metmom (...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith….)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Sunday is on the way!


14 posted on 04/07/2023 11:22:12 PM PDT by coincheck (Salvation is for today, not tomorrow, you might not make it that far.....)
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To: coincheck

Happy Easter to all! My seeds are sprouting. Daffodils almost open.


15 posted on 04/08/2023 3:50:17 AM PDT by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future. )
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To: Albion Wilde
You are certainly welcome!

Here's one more - (Not to carelessly change the topic, but -)

How to Grow and Care for Azalea


16 posted on 04/08/2023 7:43:38 AM PDT by GaltAdonis
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To: MomwithHope
"...My seeds are sprouting..."

.

Yes! - I've got indoor seedlings in trays & pots sprouting now.

Marconi sweet red peppers, Early Girl and Roma tomatoes,
basil, and romaine lettuce.

.

Come on Spring Transplanting Season!


17 posted on 04/08/2023 7:54:10 AM PDT by GaltAdonis
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To: TheConservativeParty

“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! ;)


18 posted on 04/08/2023 7:56:58 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: GaltAdonis; FRiends

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/


19 posted on 04/08/2023 8:06:13 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: coincheck; FRiends

20 posted on 04/08/2023 8:11:49 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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