To all the world, the lily has long been a symbol of beauty, perfection, and goodness. The holy books, the Old and New Covenant, frequently use this symbolism.
In his Song of Songs, King Solomon compares the beloved bride to a “lily among thorns.” The prophet Isaiah predicts that “the wilderness shall rejoice and shall flourish like the lily.” Another prophet, Hosea, presents God saying: “. .. my wrath is turned away from them; I will be as the dew, and Israel shall spring forth as the lily . . .”
In the New Covenant, again, we find the same symbolism and praise of the lily. In Matthew (6;28) the Lord says: “Consider how the lilies of the field grow; . . . not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of them.”
Kinds Of Lilies
Madonna Lily
Two particular kinds of lilies have played a great part in the traditional religious symbolism of Christianity, and their significance continues to our time. The first is the madonna lily (Lilium candidum), a native of South-East Asia and southern Europe.
From ancient times, it has been a symbol of sanctity and moral purity and, as such, has been associated mostly with representations of Mary in Christian art. Her shrines are decorated with lilies; paintings show her with this fragrant and beautiful flower.
The Catholic Church still provides in her liturgy an official blessing of lilies in honor of Mary. Other saints, too, have been traditionally pictured with lilies, especially Saint Joseph (hence one of the names, “Joseph’s Lily” for Lilium candidum).
Easter Lily
The second is the Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum), a more substantial flower than the madonna lily.
It is a native flower of Japan. From there, it was brought to Europe as a rare exhibit for botanical gardens.
About the middle of the last century, it appeared on the island of Bermuda, probably brought by English sailors. It grew surprisingly well on the dry soil of coral humus, and soon broad masses of this lily graced the landscape all over Bermuda. From the island, it acquired its popular name, “Bermuda Lily”.
In 1882, a nurseryman of Philadelphia, William K. Harris, visited Bermuda and was immediately inspired by the commercial possibilities of introducing the flower into the United States. He did so and called it after his name, Lilium harrisi (which is still its trade name).
Since it flowers first around Easter time in this part of the world, he gave it the popular name “Easter Lily.” The public immediately accepted the implied suggestion and made it a symbolic feature of the Easter celebration in this country.
Churches began using it as a decoration on Easter day, and people adopted it as a favorite in their homes around Easter solemnities. Today, it is generally displayed at weddings, jubilees, family celebrations, and on similar occasions of a festive or religious character.
Although the Easter Lily did not directly originate from a religious symbolism of liturgy or popular observance, it lent itself immediately and quite naturally to its present significance as an Easter symbol. Its radiant whiteness, delicate beauty of shape and form, and joyful and solemn aspect certainly present an appropriate floral tribute to the celebration of Easter.
44659 by F. X. Weiser