But how and why did this flower become one of the symbols of Easter?
Lilies are mentioned numerous times in the Bible. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ told his followers: "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." (St. Matthew: Chapter 6, Versus 28-29)
Often called the "white-robed apostles of hope," lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's agony. It was told that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow. Churches continue this tradition at Easter time by surrounding their alters with masses of Easter Lilies, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and hope of life everlasting.
For many, the beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers have come to symbolize purity, virtue, innocence, hope and the promise of new life - the true meaning of Easter.
Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter.