MAIN Home Life Holidays Easter Easter Lily

Easter lilies are a special type of potted white lily. The Latin name for them is Lilium longiflorum. Like most lilies, these are not pet friendly. If you have an animal companion that likes to eat plants, keep these out of reach to avoid poisoning.

Most lilies bloom in the summer and even with special care it is difficult to get them to flower at Easter. The white trumpet lily naturally blooms early which makes them the perfect choice for Easter flowers. Since they were introduced to the United States early in the 1900's, they have come to be the traditional flower used for decorations in homes and churches during the holiday season.

Easter Lily History & Folklore

Many legends have grown around the lily through history. Some believe that the lily flower came from Eve's tears when she and Adam were banished from the Garden of Eden or that the "white-robed apostles of hope" sprang from the ground when Christ's tears fell during His Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Another story says that as Christ walked the earth all of the flowers bowed before Him - except the proud lily. After the Crucifixion, the lily bowed its head in sorrow and shame and grows that way still.

The lily's large trumpet-shaped white flowers stand for purity, virtue and innocence and are often associated with the Virgin Mary. Early blooming Easter Lilies are a spectacular symbol of hope and the rebirth that comes with spring. What better symbols could you choose to show the spiritual essence of Easter?

Easter Lily Care

Easter Lily - Good description of the history and traditions behind the Easter Lily, and lots of information on the potted Lilium longiflorum, the Latin name for the Easter Lily. You'll find easy care and growing instructions to allow you to enjoy your lilies year after year.

Easter Lilies - An article that focuses on the botanical and business aspects of the current Easter Lily business has lots of interesting information on how the "Bermuda lily--better known as the Easter lily" made its way from Japan and took root as a world wide Easter symbol and holiday tradition.

How to Grow Easter Lilies - The Gardener's Net - The lilies that decorate at Easter can be transplanted to your garden for summer blooms in future years. This section of this garden resource site tells you how to get the best results.

Florists Online - Easter Lilies - The florists in this group have put together a page with folklore and gardening tips to introduce you to the proud white flower that adorns churches and homes during this holiday season.

Lilies and Other Easter Plants - If you are looking for alternatives to the traditional Easter Lily to use as decoration or to give as gifts this article has a few good ideas for colorful Spring blooms for your home or garden.

Also see in Gardening -> Flower Gardening