Easter lilies did not exist in North America until about 100 years ago. The white trumpet lily, which blooms naturally in springtime, was introduced here from Bermuda but the popular name "Easter lilies" comes from the fact that they bloom around Eastertime. They have become associated with Easter as much as poinsettias are with Christmas. In early Christian art the lily is a symbol of purity because of its delicacy of form and its whiteness. For the same reason it serves well as a symbol of the resurrection.

[Source: Supplement to the Sunday Bulletin of February 3, 2008; St. Paul Parish, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.]